Health effects of living near mobile phone base transceiver station (BTS) antennae: a report from Isfahan, Iran.

PubMed

Shahbazi-Gahrouei, Daryoush; Karbalae, Mojtaba; Moradi, Habib Allah; Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi, Milad

2014-09-01

In recent years, by tremendous use of mobile phone telecommunication, a growing concern about the possible health hazards has increased greatly among public and scientists. The mobile phone exposure has been shown to have many effects upon the immune functions, stimulating hormones, mammalian brain, sperm motility and morphology, and neurological pathologies syndrome. The aim of this study was to find out the psychological and psychobiological reactions of the people who are living near mobile phone base transceiver stations (BTS) antenna, in Isfahan, Iran. A cross-sectional study on 250 randomly selected inhabitants (133 women and 117 men) was performed in October 2012 till November 2012. The inhabitants were requested to complete a standardized questionnaire that focused on the relevant psychological and psychobiological reactions parameters. A computer program (SPSS version16.0, Chicago, IL) was used for statistical analysis using the Chi-square test with Yates correction. All the data were tested using a criterion level of p = 0.05. The results showed that most of the symptoms such as nausea, headache, dizziness, irritability, discomfort, nervousness, depression, sleep disturbance, memory loss and lowering of libido were statistically significant in the inhabitants living near the BTS antenna (<300 m distances) compared to those living far from the BTS antenna (>300 m). It is suggested that cellular phone BTS antenna should not be sited closer than 300 m to populations to minimize exposure of neighbors.

Cloning of B cell-specific membrane tetraspanning molecule BTS possessing B cell proliferation-inhibitory function.

PubMed

Suenaga, Tadahiro; Arase, Hisashi; Yamasaki, Sho; Kohno, Masayuki; Yokosuka, Tadashi; Takeuchi, Arata; Hattori, Takamichi; Saito, Takashi

2007-11-01

Lymphocyte proliferation is regulated by signals through antigen receptors, co-stimulatory receptors, and other positive and negative modulators. Several membrane tetraspanning molecules are also involved in the regulation of lymphocyte growth and death. We cloned a new B cell-specific tetraspanning (BTS) membrane molecule, which is similar to CD20 in terms of expression, structure and function. BTS is specifically expressed in the B cell line and its expression is increased after the pre-B cell stage. BTS is expressed in intracellular granules and on the cell surface. Overexpression of BTS in immature B cell lines induces growth retardation through inhibition of cell cycle progression and cell size increase without inducing apoptosis. This inhibitory function is mediated predominantly by the N terminus of BTS. The development of mature B cells is inhibited in transgenic mice expressing BTS, suggesting that BTS is involved in the in vivo regulation of B cells. These results indicate that BTS plays a role in the regulation of cell division and B cell growth.

Effect of Phellinus baumii-Biotransformed Soybean Powder on Lipid Metabolism in Rats

PubMed Central

Kim, Dae Ik; Kim, Kil Soo; Kang, Ji Hyuk; Kim, Hye Jeong

2013-01-01

In this study, we evaluated the hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of biotransformed soybean powder (BTS; Phellinus baumii-fermented soybean) on lipid metabolism in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into basal diet group (BA), high fat diet group (HF), high fat diet containing 10% BTS group (10 BTS), and high fat diet containing 20% BTS group (20 BTS). Changes in the content of various isoflavones, including daidzein and genistein, within the soybean after fermentation to BTS were investigated. The levels of daidzein and genistein were 149.28 μg/g and 364.31 μg/g, respectively. After six weeks experimental period, Food efficiency ratio in the 10 and 20 BTS group was significantly lower than the HF group (P<0.05). Total serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and atherogenic index ratio in the 10 or 20 BTS group were significantly lower than the HF group. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were significantly lower in the groups that received 10% and 20% BTS than the HF. The activities of SOD and CAT were significantly higher in the 10 and 20 BTS group than the HF group. The activity of XO in the 10 and 20 BTS group was significantly lower than in the HF group by 20% and 23%, respectively. In conclusion, these data suggest that BTS is an effective agent in improving lipid metabolism and antioxidant enzyme system. PMID:24471117

Effect of Phellinus baumii-Biotransformed Soybean Powder on Lipid Metabolism in Rats.

PubMed

Kim, Dae Ik; Kim, Kil Soo; Kang, Ji Hyuk; Kim, Hye Jeong

2013-06-01

In this study, we evaluated the hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of biotransformed soybean powder (BTS; Phellinus baumii-fermented soybean) on lipid metabolism in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into basal diet group (BA), high fat diet group (HF), high fat diet containing 10% BTS group (10 BTS), and high fat diet containing 20% BTS group (20 BTS). Changes in the content of various isoflavones, including daidzein and genistein, within the soybean after fermentation to BTS were investigated. The levels of daidzein and genistein were 149.28 μg/g and 364.31 μg/g, respectively. After six weeks experimental period, Food efficiency ratio in the 10 and 20 BTS group was significantly lower than the HF group (P<0.05). Total serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and atherogenic index ratio in the 10 or 20 BTS group were significantly lower than the HF group. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were significantly lower in the groups that received 10% and 20% BTS than the HF. The activities of SOD and CAT were significantly higher in the 10 and 20 BTS group than the HF group. The activity of XO in the 10 and 20 BTS group was significantly lower than in the HF group by 20% and 23%, respectively. In conclusion, these data suggest that BTS is an effective agent in improving lipid metabolism and antioxidant enzyme system.

[Towards a dialogue of knowledge between subsistence fishermen, shellfish gatherers and environmental labor law].

PubMed

Carvalho, Ingrid Gil Sales; Rêgo, Rita de Cássia Franco; Larrea-Killinger, Cristina; da Rocha, Júlio César de Sá; Pena, Paulo Gilvane Lopes; Machado, Louise Oliveira Ramos

2014-10-01

The dialogue of knowledge between subsistence fishermen and shellfish gatherers on the right to a healthy working environment is established as a new process for claims for an improvement in working conditions by populations affected by environmental problems, and especially in Todos os Santos Bay (BTS). The communities surrounding the BTS have complained to the State Public Prosecutor about the harmful effects to health and the environment caused by the Aratu Industrial Complex and the Port of Aratu. Researchers in the fields of, chemistry, toxicology, oceanography, biology and medicine from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) have demonstrated the effects of contamination on the BTS in sundry scientific publications. The scope of this article is to reflect on the contribution of that dialogue on environmental labor law (DAT) in Brazil. The methodology of this study involved semi-structured interviews, participant observation and document analysis. The conclusion reached is that environmental labor law in Brazil must include the dialogue of knowledge to ensure access to a healthy working environment for subsistence fishermen and shellfish gatherers.

BRUTUS and its paralogs, BTS LIKE1 and BTS LIKE2, encode important negative regulators of the iron deficiency response in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Hindt, Maria N; Akmakjian, Garo Z; Pivarski, Kara L; Punshon, Tracy; Baxter, Ivan; Salt, David E; Guerinot, Mary Lou

2017-07-19

Iron (Fe) is required for plant health, but it can also be toxic when present in excess. Therefore, Fe levels must be tightly controlled. The Arabidopsis thaliana E3 ligase BRUTUS (BTS) is involved in the negative regulation of the Fe deficiency response and we show here that the two A. thaliana BTS paralogs, BTS LIKE1 (BTSL1) and BTS LIKE2 (BTSL2) encode proteins that act redundantly as negative regulators of the Fe deficiency response. Loss of both of these E3 ligases enhances tolerance to Fe deficiency. We further generated a triple mutant with loss of both BTS paralogs and a partial loss of BTS expression that exhibits even greater tolerance to Fe-deficient conditions and increased Fe accumulation without any resulting Fe toxicity effects. Finally, we identified a mutant carrying a novel missense mutation of BTS that exhibits an Fe deficiency response in the root when grown under both Fe-deficient and Fe-sufficient conditions, leading to Fe toxicity when plants are grown under Fe-sufficient conditions.

Upgrading tantalum and niobium oxides content in Bangka tin slag with double leaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soedarsono, J. W.; Permana, S.; Hutauruk, J. K.; Adhyputra, R.; Rustandi, A.; Maksum, A.; Widana, K. S.; Trinopiawan, K.; Anggraini, M.

2018-03-01

Tantalum has become one of the 14 types of critical materials where the level of its availability is assumed as the midterm critical metal. Benefits of the element tantalum in the electronics field increased the deficit balance of supply / demand, as more variations of electronic products developed. The tantalum experts calculated the level of availability until 2020. Base on the previous studies, tin slag is a secondary source of tantalum and niobium. This study uses tin slag from Bangka, Indonesia, abbreviated, Bangka Tin Slag (BTS). BTS was roasted, water quenched and sieved, abbreviated BTS-RQS.BTS was roasted, water quenched and sieved, abbreviated BTS-RQS.BTS-RQS was roasted at a temperature 700□C given sample code BTS-R700QS, while roasted at 800°C given sample code BTS-R800QS.A variable leaching experiment on BTS-R700QS was solvent concentration variable and on BTS-R800QS was time variable. The entire residue was characterized by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), and the optimum results are on the BTS-R800QS leaching into 5 M NaOH for 20 min followed by 5M HCl for 50 min, with content of Ta2O5 and Nb2O51.56% and 1.11%, respectively. The result of XRF measurement showed was the increasing of TNO content due to the increasing solvent concentration and time of acid leaching. The discussion of thermodynamics this study used was HSC Chemistry 6 as a supporting data.

Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis impairs adrenomedullary but not noradrenergic sympathetic function.

PubMed

Buscher, H C J L; Lenders, J W M; Wilder-Smith, O H G; Sweep, C G J; van Goor, H

2012-08-01

Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy (BTS) is a well-known technique to alleviate intractable pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. BTS not only disrupts afferent fibers from the pancreas that mediate pain but also postganglionic sympathetic fibers, which originate in segments T5-T12 and which innervate the vasculature of the liver, pancreas, and the adrenal gland. The purpose of this study was to assess whether and how BTS affects sympathetic noradrenergic and adrenomedullary function in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Sixteen patients with chronic pancreatitis for at least 1 year underwent autonomic function testing before and 6 weeks after BTS for intractable pain. Testing was performed during supine rest and during sympathetic stimulation when standing. Supine and standing systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower post-BTS compared with pre-BTS (P = 0.001). One patient showed orthostatic hypotension after BTS. Baseline plasma norepinephrine levels and plasma norepinephrine responses to sympathetic activation during standing were not reduced by BTS. In contrast, supine plasma epinephrine levels and responses during standing were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). Parasympathetic activity was unaffected by BTS as shown by unaltered Valsalva ratio, I-E difference, and ΔHRmax. BTS for pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis reduced adrenomedullary function, due to disruption of the efferent sympathetic fibers to the adrenal gland. BTS did not affect noradrenergic sympathetic activity, although blood pressure was lower after the sympathectomy.

Bofutsushosan, a Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine, attenuates progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice.

PubMed

Ono, Masafumi; Ogasawara, Mitsunari; Hirose, Akira; Mogami, Sachiko; Ootake, Nobuhiro; Aritake, Kosuke; Higuchi, Takuma; Okamoto, Nobuto; Sakamoto, Shuji; Yamamoto, Masahiro; Urade, Yoshihiro; Saibara, Toshiji; Oben, Jude A

2014-06-01

Obesity-induced liver disease (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) is now the commonest cause of chronic liver disease in affluent nations. There are presently no proven treatments for NAFLD or its more severe stage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Bofutsushosan (BTS), a Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine, long used as an anti-obesity medicine in Japan and other Asian countries, has been shown to reduce body weight and improve insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis. The precise mechanism of action of BTS, however, remains unclear. To evaluate the ability of BTS to prevent the development of NASH, and determine the mediators and pathways involved. C57BL/6 mice were injected intra-peritoneally with gold-thioglucose and fed a high-fat diet (HF) or HF diet admixed with either 2 or 5 % BTS for 12 weeks. The effectiveness of BTS in attenuating features of NASH and the mechanisms through which BTS attenuated NASH were then assayed through an assessment of the anthropometric, radiological, biochemical and histological parameters. BTS attenuated the progression of NASH through induction of adiponectin and its receptors along with an induction of PPAR-α and PPAR-γ, decreased expression of SREBP-1c, increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation and increased hepatic export of triglycerides. BTS moreover, reduced IR through phosphorylation of the protein kinase, Akt. BTS through induction of adiponectin signaling and Akt attenuated development of NASH. Identification of the active entity in BTS should allow development of novel treatments for NASH.

Spatiotemporal distributions of butyltin compounds in various intertidal organisms along the Samcheok and Tongyeong coasts of Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Taewoo; Jeon, Seungyeon; Hong, Seongjin; Song, Sung Joon; Kwon, Bong-Oh; Ryu, Jongseong; Khim, Jong Seong

2017-04-01

Thirteen years ago, the Korean Government introduced a regulation prohibiting the use of tributyltin (TBT), which was a component of antifouling paints. A subsequent decline in the concentration of butyltins (BTs) was recorded in seawater and the sediment, however, the current concentration of BTs in biota has not been well documented. The spatiotemporal distribution and concentration of BTs was recorded in biota from 2013 to 2015 along the coasts of Samcheok and Tongyeong using GS/MSD analysis. Crustaceans contained the greatest concentrations of BTs, followed by gastropods, fishes, and bivalves. We found that the concentration of BTs was greater at Tongyeong compared to Samcheok, because of the geographical characteristics of the area. We also confirmed that the regulation has been effective by showing that the TBT concentration decreased over the 3-year study period. The TBT levels of gastropods and bivalves fell within the limits of the guidelines and/or the effective concentration of the toxicological endpoint reported previously. The concentration of BTs also varied among species, being dependent on the weight of the soft tissue. Furthermore, the greater quantities of BTs degradation products compared to TBT confirmed the absence of recent inputs of pollutants during the study periods. However, compared with other Asian countries, biota BTs were greater in Korea, with noticeably greater concentrations along the south coast. Thus, further investigation of the distribution of BTs along the Korean coasts is required in the future. In conclusion, our results provide useful information about the recent trends of BTs in Korea. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validating Bayesian truth serum in large-scale online human experiments.

PubMed

Frank, Morgan R; Cebrian, Manuel; Pickard, Galen; Rahwan, Iyad

2017-01-01

Bayesian truth serum (BTS) is an exciting new method for improving honesty and information quality in multiple-choice survey, but, despite the method's mathematical reliance on large sample sizes, existing literature about BTS only focuses on small experiments. Combined with the prevalence of online survey platforms, such as Amazon's Mechanical Turk, which facilitate surveys with hundreds or thousands of participants, BTS must be effective in large-scale experiments for BTS to become a readily accepted tool in real-world applications. We demonstrate that BTS quantifiably improves honesty in large-scale online surveys where the "honest" distribution of answers is known in expectation on aggregate. Furthermore, we explore a marketing application where "honest" answers cannot be known, but find that BTS treatment impacts the resulting distributions of answers.

Validating Bayesian truth serum in large-scale online human experiments

PubMed Central

Frank, Morgan R.; Cebrian, Manuel; Pickard, Galen; Rahwan, Iyad

2017-01-01

Bayesian truth serum (BTS) is an exciting new method for improving honesty and information quality in multiple-choice survey, but, despite the method’s mathematical reliance on large sample sizes, existing literature about BTS only focuses on small experiments. Combined with the prevalence of online survey platforms, such as Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, which facilitate surveys with hundreds or thousands of participants, BTS must be effective in large-scale experiments for BTS to become a readily accepted tool in real-world applications. We demonstrate that BTS quantifiably improves honesty in large-scale online surveys where the “honest” distribution of answers is known in expectation on aggregate. Furthermore, we explore a marketing application where “honest” answers cannot be known, but find that BTS treatment impacts the resulting distributions of answers. PMID:28494000

Technical and Vocational Education Stakeholders' Perceptions on Professional Skills Acquired in Private "Brevet De Technicien Supérieur (BTS)" Schools in Togo

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adjrah, Yao

2014-01-01

This study intends to analyze formal and implemented BTS curricula in Lomé (Togo). Data collection was achieved by means of questionnaires and interviews for exploring, in five private BTS schools, the perceptions of students, teachers and pedagogical directors, as well as the views of employed BTS graduates and their employers, regarding the…

14 CFR 291.44 - BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... TRANSPORTATION Reporting Rules § 291.44 BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity. (a) For the purposes of BTS schedule P-12(a), type of service shall be either scheduled service or... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by...

Intervention on Surgical Systemic-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunts: Carotid Versus Femoral Access.

PubMed

Ligon, R Allen; Ooi, Yinn K; Kim, Dennis W; Vincent, Robert N; Petit, Christopher J

2017-09-11

The purpose of this study was to compare results between the femoral arterial (FA) and carotid arterial (CA) approaches in catheter-based interventions on Blalock-Taussig shunts (BTS). Transcatheter intervention on BTS is often performed in shunt-dependent, hypoxemic infants. The approach to BTS intervention likely has an impact on timeliness and overall success. The authors reviewed all cases of catheter intervention for BTS obstruction between 2012 and 2017 for their institution. They sought to compare procedural success rates and time, sheath time, time to arterial access, and time from access to stent implantation between FA and CA approaches. There were 42 BTS interventions between 34 patients. BTS intervention was more successful from the CA approach (p = 0.035). Among the FA cohort, BTS intervention was unsuccessful in 8 cases (25%), 5 of which were converted to CA with subsequent success. The CA cohort had lower procedure time (62 min vs. 104 min; p = 0.01) and anesthesia time (119 min vs. 151 min; p = 0.01). Additionally, CA access was associated with shorter time to arterial access (4.0 min vs. 9.3 min; p < 0.01), time to placement of the guidewire through the BTS (6.5 min vs. 13 min; p < 0.01), and time from the final sheath to BTS stent implantation (9 min vs. 20 min; p < 0.01). Operators should consider the route of access to the BTS deliberately. The authors' approach has been the carotid artery as an alternative access site-associated with greater procedural success, shorter procedural time, and shorter time to stent implantation. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Repeated administration of the monoamine reuptake inhibitor BTS 74 398 induces ipsilateral circling in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rat without sensitizing motor behaviours.

PubMed

Lane, E L; Cheetham, S C; Jenner, P

2005-01-01

BTS 74 398 (1-[1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-2-(3-diaminethylaminopropylthio)ethanone monocitrate) is a monoamine reuptake inhibitor that reverses motor deficits in MPTP-treated (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) common marmosets without provoking established dyskinesia. However, it is not known whether BTS 74 398 primes the basal ganglia for dyskinesia induction. In this study, the ability of BTS 74 398 to sensitize 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats for the production of abnormal motor behaviours and the induction of striatal DeltaFosB were determined in comparison with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine methyl ester (L-dopa). Acute administration of BTS 74 398 induced a dose-dependent ipsilateral circling response in unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats whereas L-dopa produced dose-dependent contraversive rotation. The ipsilateral circling response to BTS 74 398 did not alter during 21 days of administration. In contrast, L-dopa treatment for 21 days caused a marked increase in rotational response. Repeated administration of both L-dopa and BTS 74 398 increased general motor activity and stereotypic behaviour. In L-dopa-treated rats, orolingual, locomotive, forelimb and axial abnormal movements developed whereas BTS 74 398 produced only locomotion with a side bias but no other abnormal movements. Sensitization of circling responses and the development of abnormal movements in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats have been associated with the potential of dopaminergic drugs to induce dyskinesia. Furthermore, striatal DeltaFosB immunoreactivity, shown to correlate with dyskinesia induction, was increased by L-dopa but was unaffected by repeated BTS 74 398 administration. The lack of such changes following repeated BTS 74 398 treatment suggests that it may be an effective antiparkinsonian therapy that is unlikely to produce involuntary movements.

Insulin-releasing action of the novel antidiabetic agent BTS 67 582.

PubMed

McClenaghan, N H; Flatt, P R; Bailey, C J

1998-02-01

1. BTS 67582 (1,1-dimethyl-2-(2-morpholinophenyl)guanidine fumarate) is a novel antidiabetic agent with a short-acting insulin-releasing effect. This study examined its mode of action in the clonal B-cell line BRIN-BD11. 2. BTS 67582 increased insulin release from BRIN-BD11 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (10[-8] to 10[-4] M) at both non-stimulating (1.1 mM) and stimulating (16.7 mM) concentrations of glucose. 3. BTS 67582 (10[-4] M) potentiated the insulin-releasing effect of a depolarizing concentration of K+ (30 mM), whereas the K+ channel openers pinacidil (400 microM) and diazoxide (300 microM) inhibited BTS 67582-induced release. 4. Suppression of Ca+ channel activity with verapamil (20 microM) reduced the insulin-releasing effect of BTS 67582 (10[-4] M). 5. BTS 67582 (10[-4] M) potentiated insulin release induced by amino acids (10 mM), and enhanced the combined stimulant effects of glucose plus either the fatty acid palmitate (10 mM), or agents which raise intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations (25 microM forskolin and 1 mM isobutylmethylxanthine), or the cholinoceptor agonist carbachol (100 microM). 6. Inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release by adrenaline or noradrenaline (10 microM) was partially reversed by BTS 67582 (10[-4] M). 7. These data suggest that the insulin-releasing effect of BTS 67582 involves regulation of ATP-sensitive K+ channel activity and Ca2+ influx, and that the drug augments the stimulant effects of nutrient insulin secretagogues and agents which enhance adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C. BTS 67582 may also exert insulin-releasing effects independently of ATP-sensitive K+ channel activity.

[An Analysis of Placement of a Self-Expanding Metallic Stent as Bridge to Surgery for Surgical Resection of StageⅣ Obstructive Colorectal Cancers].

PubMed

Kawahara, Yohei; Terada, Itsuro; Terai, Shiro; Watanabe, Toshifumi; Amaya, Koji; Yamamoto, Seiichi; Kaji, Masahide; Maeda, Kiichi; Shimizu, Koichi

2015-11-01

In our institution, placement of a self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) for obstructive colorectal cancer to avoid emergency operations, namely as a bridge to surgery (BTS), was introduced in April 2012. Here, we assess the efficacy and safety of pre-operative SEMS placement for treatment of Stage Ⅳ obstructive colorectal cancer. We analyzed a total of 44 cases of Stage Ⅳ colorectal cancer, which consisted of 13 obstructive cases that were surgically resected following SEMS placement as BTS (BTS group), and 31 cases that were resected in elective operations without pre-operative SEMS placement (Ope group), from April 2012 to August 2014. None of the patients had any adverse events during the SEMS procedure or after SEMS placement, and all patients of BTS group could undergo the planned operations after sufficient decompression. In the postoperative period, 1 patient of BTS group (7.7%) had anastomosis bleeding, but no other complications, including anastomosis leakage, were observed in BTS group. However more progressive primary tumors were resected in BTS group (p=0.0115), there were no significant differences for post-operative course between the 2 groups; this indicated avoiding high-risk emergency operations contributed to adequate short-term outcomes in BTS group comparable to those in Ope group. SEMS placement as BTS could be performed safely for Stage Ⅳ obstructive colorectal cancer cases, and was 1 of the effective strategies for local treatment.

BRUTUS and its paralogs, BTS LIKE1 and BTS LIKE2, encode important negative regulators of the iron deficiency response in Arabidopsis thaliana

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Iron (Fe) is required for plant health, but it can also be toxic when present in excess. Therefore, Fe levels must be tightly controlled. The Arabidopsis thaliana E3 ligase BRUTUS (BTS) is involved in the negative regulation of the Fe deficiency response and we show here that the two A. thaliana BTS...

Effects of a myosin-II inhibitor (N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide, BTS) on contractile characteristics of intact fast-twitch mammalian muscle fibres.

PubMed

Pinniger, G J; Bruton, J D; Westerblad, H; Ranatunga, K W

2005-01-01

We have examined the effects of N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide (BTS), a potent and specific inhibitor of fast muscle myosin-II, using small bundles of intact fibres or single fibres from rat foot muscle. BTS decreased tetanic tension reversibly in a concentration-dependent manner with half-maximal inhibition at approximately approximately 2 microM at 20 degrees C. The inhibition of tension with 10 microM BTS was marked at the three temperatures examined (10, 20 and 30 degrees C), but greatest at 10 degrees C. BTS decreased active muscle stiffness to a lesser extent than tetanic tension indicating that not all of the tension inhibition was due to a reduced number of attached cross-bridges. BTS-induced inhibition of active tension was not accompanied by any change in the free myoplasmic Ca2+ transients. The potency and specificity of BTS make it a very suitable myosin inhibitor for intact mammalian fast muscle and should be a useful tool for the examination of outstanding questions in muscle contraction.

Glucose-lowering effect of BTS 67 582.

PubMed

Page, T; Bailey, C J

1997-12-01

1. The hypoglycaemic effect of BTS 67 582 (1,1-dimethyl-2(2-morpholinophenyl) guanidine fumarate) was studied in normal rats. 2. BTS 67 582 (100 mg kg(-1), p.o.) acutely lowered basal plasma glucose concentrations: onset within 1 h, maximum decrease of >40% at 2-3 h, and partial return to euglycaemia by 5 h. Plasma insulin concentrations were increased: onset within 30 min, maximum increase 3 fold at 1-2 h; returning to normal by 5 h. 3. BTS 67 582 (100 mg kg(-1)) increased (by 56%) the rate of disappearance of plasma glucose during an intravenous glucose tolerance test, accompanied by a 51% increase in insulin concentrations. 4. During hyperglycaemic clamp studies BTS 67 582 (100 mg kg(-1)) increased glucose utilization 3 fold. This was associated with a 3 fold increase in insulin concentrations, even in the presence of adrenaline at a dosage which inhibits glucose-induced insulin release. 5. When the insulin-releasing effect of BTS 67 582 (100 mg kg(-1)) was inhibited by infusion of somatostatin, there was no effect on glycaemia. 6. Insulin-dependent diabetic BB/S rats, which do not produce endogenous insulin, showed no effect of BTS 67 582 (100 mg kg(-1)) on plasma glucose concentrations in the presence or absence of exogenous insulin. 7. The results demonstrate an acute hypoglycaemic effect of BTS 67 582 which appears to result mainly from its potent insulin-releasing action.

The Blalock-Taussig shunt revisited: a contemporary experience.

PubMed

McKenzie, E Dean; Khan, Muhammad S; Samayoa, Andres X; Vener, Daniel S; Ishak, Youstina M; Santos, Alexia B; Heinle, Jeffrey S; Fraser, Charles D

2013-04-01

The Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) was introduced 68 years ago before open repair of cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) was possible. The originally described technique has undergone many modifications but remains an integral component of the management of cyanotic CHD. We report our contemporary, single institution experience with the BTS. We performed a retrospective review of all patients treated with a BTS from June 1995 to December 2011. There were 730 BTS performed in 712 patients; 727 (99.6%) by interposition graft (modified). The BTS was predominantly right-sided (n = 657, 90%). Median age and weight at palliation were 8 days (range 0 days to 18.5 years) and 3.2 kg (1.5 to 51 kg). Median hospital length of stay was 16 days (range 0 to 347 days). There were 241 (33%) BTS performed as initial palliation for ultimate 2-ventricle (2V) circulation, 471 (65%) as part of staged palliation for patients with functionally univentricular lesions (1V), 6 (1%) as a part of 1.5-ventricle palliation, and 12 (1%) for Ebstein's anomaly. There were 473 (65%) BTS placed via sternotomy and the most common site of BTS was the right subclavian to right pulmonary artery (PA; n = 452, 62%). Hospital mortality was higher for BTS in 1V patients (1V 15% vs 2V 3%, p < 0.0001). Overall, 536 (73%) patients were bridged to complete repair or the second stage of 1V palliation after a median duration of 6.5 months (0 days to 15.3 years). Multivariable regression showed that sternotomy approach, use of cardiopulmonary bypass, innominate artery-PA shunt, and diagnosis of Ebstein's were risk factors for in-hospital mortality (p < 0.05). Although the BTS remains an important component of the surgical treatment of cyanotic congenital heart disease, patients with single ventricle circulation still face significant ongoing risk of mortality. Copyright © 2013 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is a marker that predicts presence of invasion in papillary biliary tumors.

PubMed

Sasaki, Motoko; Sato, Yasunori

2017-04-01

Biliary tumors showing intraductal papillary growth (Pap-BTs) include intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) and papillary cholangiocarcinoma (CC). A differential diagnosis between IPNB and papillary CC currently remains challenging. The aim of the present study is to identify histological features and immunohistochemical markers of malignant potential such as tumor invasion in Pap-BTs. Subjects comprised 37 patients with Pap-BT (intrahepatic and perihilar [proximal], 27: 17 noninvasive and 10 invasive; distal, 10: all invasive). We examined histological features and the expression of p53, enhancer of zeste homolog 2, insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3), and DNA methyltransferase-1 in the intraductal area in Pap-BTs. Noninvasive Pap-BT was characterized by the presence of a low-grade dysplastic area, edematous stroma, and the absence of necrosis. The expression of p53, enhancer of zeste homolog 2, IMP3, and DNA methyltransferase-1 was significantly weaker in noninvasive Pap-BTs than in invasive Pap-BTs (P<.01). Diffuse cytoplasmic IMP3 expression was absent in noninvasive Pap-BTs. IMP3 showed the greatest specificity to predict a presence of invasion. A heatmap demonstrated that proximal noninvasive Pap-BTs and distal Pap-BTs may be completely different. In bile duct biopsies, the expression of IMP3 was the most precise predictor of invasion in Pap-BTs. In conclusion, Pap-BTs may be separated into 3 subgroups: (1) proximal noninvasive Pap-BT, corresponding to IPNB; (2) distal invasive Pap-BT, corresponding to papillary CC; and (3) the remaining Pap-BT including IPNB with associated adenocarcinomas, based on histological and immunohistochemical features. IMP3 may be a useful marker for predicting invasion in Pap-BT. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measuring transferring similarity via local information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Likang; Deng, Yong

2018-05-01

Recommender systems have developed along with the web science, and how to measure the similarity between users is crucial for processing collaborative filtering recommendation. Many efficient models have been proposed (i.g., the Pearson coefficient) to measure the direct correlation. However, the direct correlation measures are greatly affected by the sparsity of dataset. In other words, the direct correlation measures would present an inauthentic similarity if two users have a very few commonly selected objects. Transferring similarity overcomes this drawback by considering their common neighbors (i.e., the intermediates). Yet, the transferring similarity also has its drawback since it can only provide the interval of similarity. To break the limitations, we propose the Belief Transferring Similarity (BTS) model. The contributions of BTS model are: (1) BTS model addresses the issue of the sparsity of dataset by considering the high-order similarity. (2) BTS model transforms uncertain interval to a certain state based on fuzzy systems theory. (3) BTS model is able to combine the transferring similarity of different intermediates using information fusion method. Finally, we compare BTS models with nine different link prediction methods in nine different networks, and we also illustrate the convergence property and efficiency of the BTS model.

Developing Early Warning Indicators for the San Francisco Unified School District. Youth Data Archive Issue Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, 2011

2011-01-01

San Francisco's Bridge to Success (BtS) initiative brings together the City and County of San Francisco, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), the City College of San Francisco (CCSF), and key community organizations to promote postsecondary success for underrepresented students. Partners agree that the first step in achieving this…

Validation of predictive rules and indices of severity for community acquired pneumonia

PubMed Central

Ewig, S; de Roux, A; Bauer, T; Garcia, E; Mensa, J; Niederman, M; Torres, A

2004-01-01

Background: A study was undertaken to validate the modified American Thoracic Society (ATS) rule and two British Thoracic Society (BTS) rules for the prediction of ICU admission and mortality of community acquired pneumonia and to provide a validation of these predictions on the basis of the pneumonia severity index (PSI). Method: Six hundred and ninety six consecutive patients (457 men (66%), mean (SD) age 67.8 (17.1) years, range 18–101) admitted to a tertiary care hospital were studied prospectively. Of these, 116 (16.7%) were admitted to the ICU. Results: The modified ATS rule achieved a sensitivity of 69% (95% CI 50.7 to 77.2), specificity of 97% (95% CI 96.4 to 98.9), positive predictive value of 87% (95% CI 78.3 to 93.1), and negative predictive value of 94% (95% CI 91.8 to 95.8) in predicting admission to the ICU. The corresponding predictive indices for mortality were 94% (95% CI 82.5 to 98.7), 93% (95% CI 90.6 to 94.7), 49% (95% CI 38.2 to 59.7), and 99.5% (95% CI 98.5 to 99.9), respectively. These figures compared favourably with both the BTS rules. The BTS-CURB criteria achieved predictions of pneumonia severity and mortality comparable to the PSI. Conclusions: This study confirms the power of the modified ATS rule to predict severe pneumonia in individual patients. It may be incorporated into current guidelines for the assessment of pneumonia severity. The CURB criteria may be used as an alternative tool to PSI for the detection of low risk patients. PMID:15115872

Ca2+-pumping impairment during repetitive fatiguing contractions in single myofibers: role of cross-bridge cycling

PubMed Central

Shiah, Amy A.; Gandra, Paulo G.; Hogan, Michael C.

2013-01-01

The energy cost of contractions in skeletal muscle involves activation of both actomyosin and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-pump (SERCA) ATPases, which together determine the overall ATP demand. During repetitive contractions leading to fatigue, the relaxation rate and Ca2+ pumping become slowed, possibly because of intracellular metabolite accumulation. The role of the energy cost of cross-bridge cycling during contractile activity on Ca2+-pumping properties has not been investigated. Therefore, we inhibited cross-bridge cycling by incubating isolated Xenopus single fibers with N-benzyl-p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS) to study the mechanisms by which SR Ca2+ pumping is impaired during fatiguing contractions. Fibers were stimulated in the absence (control) and presence of BTS and cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]c) transients or intracellular pH (pHi) changes were measured. BTS treatment allowed normal [Ca2+]c transients during stimulation without cross-bridge activation. At the time point that tension was reduced to 50% in the control condition, the fall in the peak [Ca2+]c and the increase in basal [Ca2+]c did not occur with BTS incubation. The progressively slower Ca2+ pumping rate and the fall in pHi during repetitive contractions were reduced during BTS conditions. However, when mitochondrial ATP supply was blocked during contractions with BTS present (BTS + cyanide), there was no further slowing in SR Ca2+ pumping during contractions compared with the BTS-alone condition. Furthermore, the fall in pHi was significantly less during the BTS + cyanide condition than in the control conditions. These results demonstrate that factors related to the energetic cost of cross-bridge cycling, possibly the accumulation of metabolites, inhibit the Ca2+ pumping rate during fatiguing contractions. PMID:23678027

Induced desensitization of the insulinotropic effects of antidiabetic drugs, BTS 67 582 and tolbutamide.

PubMed

McClenaghan, N H; Ball, A J; Flatt, P R

2000-05-01

Acute and chronic mechanisms of action of novel insulinotropic antidiabetic drug, BTS 67 582 (1, 1-dimethyl-2-(2-morpholinophenyl)guanidine fumarate), were examined in the stable cultured BRIN-BD11 cell line. BTS 67 582 (100 - 400 microM) stimulated a concentration-dependent increase (P<0.01) in insulin release at both non-stimulatory (1.1 mM) and stimulatory (8. 4 mM) glucose. Long-term exposure (3 - 18 h) to 100 microM BTS 67 582 in culture time-dependently decreased subsequent responsiveness to acute challenge with 200 microM BTS 67 582 or 200 microM tolbutamide at 12 - 18 h (P<0.001). Similarly 3 - 18 h culture with the sulphonylurea, tolbutamide (100 microM), also effectively suppressed subsequent insulinotropic responses to both BTS 67 582 and tolbutamide. Culture with 100 microM BTS 67 582 or 100 microM tolbutamide did not affect basal insulin secretion, cellular insulin content, or cell viability and exerted no influence on the secretory responsiveness to 200 microM of the imidazoline, efaroxan. While 18 h BTS 67 582 culture did not affect the insulin-releasing actions (P<0.001) of 16.7 mM glucose, 10 mM arginine, 30 mM KCl, 25 microM forskolin or 10 nM phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), significant inhibition (P<0.001) of the insulinotropic effects of 10 mM 2-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) and 10 mM alanine were observed. These data suggest that BTS 67 582 shares a common signalling pathway to sulphonylurea but not imidazoline drugs. Desensitization of drug action may provide an important approach to dissect sites of action of novel and established insulinotropic antidiabetic agents.

Assessing the Source-to-Stream Transport of Benzotriazoles during Rainfall and Snowmelt in Urban and Agricultural Watersheds.

PubMed

Parajulee, Abha; Lei, Ying Duan; De Silva, Amila O; Cao, Xiaoshu; Mitchell, Carl P J; Wania, Frank

2017-04-18

While benzotriazoles (BTs) are ubiquitous in urban waters, their sources and transport remain poorly characterized. We aimed to elucidate the origin and hydrological pathways of BTs in Toronto, Canada, by quantifying three BTs, electrical conductivity, and δ 18 O in high-frequency streamwater samples taken during two rainfall and one snowmelt event in two watersheds with contrasting levels of urbanization. Average concentrations of total BTs (∑BT) were 1.3 to 110 times higher in the more urbanized Mimico Creek watershed relative to the primarily agricultural and suburban Little Rouge Creek. Strong correlations between upstream density of major roads and total BT concentrations or BT composition within all events implicate vehicle fluids as the key source of BTs in both watersheds. Sustained historical releases of BTs within the Mimico Creek watershed have likely led to elevated ∑BT in groundwater, with elevated concentrations observed during baseflow that are diluted by rainfall and surface runoff. In contrast, relatively constant concentrations, caused by mixing of equally contaminated baseflow and rainfall/surface runoff, are observed in the Little Rouge Creek throughout storm hydrographs, with an occasional first flush occurring at a subsite draining suburban land. During snowmelt, buildup of BTs in roadside snowpiles and preferential partitioning of BTs to the liquid phase of a melting snowpack leads to early peaks in ∑BT in both streams, except the sites in the Little Rouge Creek with low levels of vehicle traffic. Overall, a history of BT release and land use associated with urbanization have led to higher levels of BTs in urban areas and provide a glimpse into future BT dynamics in mixed use, (sub)urbanizing areas.

Promotive effect of Bofutsushosan (Fangfengtongshengsan) on lipid and cholesterol excretion in feces in mice treated with a high-fat diet.

PubMed

Akaki, Junji; Tachi, Shiori; Nakamura, Naoki; Arai, Tetsuya; Yamasaki, Hiroo; Inoue, Makoto; Makino, Toshiaki

2018-06-28

Bofutsushosan (fangfengtongshengsan in Chinese, BTS) is a formula in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and Chinese medicine comprising 18 crude drugs that is used for treating obesity and metabolic syndrome. We evaluated the promotive effects of BTS on lipid and cholesterol elimination in mice. Mice were reared with a high-fat diet containing boiled water extract of BTS for 30 days, and their biochemical parameters as well as the weight and lipid content of feces were measured. We also measured cholesterol uptake into Caco-2 cells cultured with or without BTS extract. The body weight and amounts of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat on day 28; the weights of epididymal, perirenal, and mesenteric fat; and the serum concentrations of triglyceride, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c on day 30 were significantly lower in the BTS extract-treated groups than in the control in a dose-dependent manner. The amounts of lipid and cholesterol in the feces collected from day 6-23 were significantly greater than in the control. When Caco-2 cells were incubated with BTS extract, the uptake of cholesterol into cells was significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the components of BTS, the methanol extracts of Platycodi Radix and Zingiberis Rhizoma contribute but the extracts of Ephedrae Herba and Rhei Rhizoma counteract the suppressive effect of BTS on cholesterol uptake into Caco-2 cells. BTS has beneficial effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome, and its mechanisms of action include the promotion of lipid elimination and the inhibition of cholesterol absorption in the intestine. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Artificial Intelligence based technique for BTS placement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alenoghena, C. O.; Emagbetere, J. O.; Aibinu, A. M.

2013-12-01

The increase of the base transceiver station (BTS) in most urban areas can be traced to the drive by network providers to meet demand for coverage and capacity. In traditional network planning, the final decision of BTS placement is taken by a team of radio planners, this decision is not fool proof against regulatory requirements. In this paper, an intelligent based algorithm for optimal BTS site placement has been proposed. The proposed technique takes into consideration neighbour and regulation considerations objectively while determining cell site. The application will lead to a quantitatively unbiased evaluated decision making process in BTS placement. An experimental data of a 2km by 3km territory was simulated for testing the new algorithm, results obtained show a 100% performance of the neighbour constrained algorithm in BTS placement optimization. Results on the application of GA with neighbourhood constraint indicate that the choices of location can be unbiased and optimization of facility placement for network design can be carried out.

Effects of the pesticide amitraz and its metabolite BTS 27271 on insulin and glucagon secretion from the perfused rat pancreas: involvement of alpha2D-adrenergic receptors.

PubMed

Abu-Basha, E A; Yibchok-Anun, S; Hopper, D L; Hsu, W H

1999-11-01

The study purpose was to investigate the direct effect of amitraz, a formamidine insecticide/acaricide, and its active metabolite BTS 27271 on insulin and glucagon secretion from the perfused rat pancreas. Amitraz and BTS 27271 (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 micromol/L) inhibited insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Amitraz increased glucagon secretion at 10 micromol/L, whereas BTS 27271 increased glucagon secretion at 1 and 10 micromol/L. Amitraz- and BTS 27271-induced decreases in insulin secretion and increases in glucagon secretion were not abolished during the 10-minute washout period. During the arginine treatment, both amitraz and BTS 27271 groups (0.1, 1, and 10 micromol/L) had lower insulin secretion and higher glucagon secretion than the control group. Idazoxan, an alpha2A/2D-adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonist, prevented the inhibitory effect of amitraz on insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, but prazosin, an alpha1- and alpha2B/2C-AR antagonist, failed to antagonize the effect of amitraz. These results demonstrate that (1) amitraz and BTS 27271 inhibit insulin and stimulate glucagon secretion from the perfused rat pancreas, (2) amitraz inhibits insulin secretion by activation of alpha2D-ARs, since rats have alpha2D- but not alpha2A-ARs, and (3) amitraz and BTS 27271 may have a high binding affinity to the alpha2D-ARs of pancreatic islets.

Balance Training Versus Balance Training With STARS in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Burcal, Christopher J; Trier, Alejandra Y; Wikstrom, Erik A

2017-09-01

Both balance training and selected interventions meant to target sensory structures (STARS) have been shown to be effective at restoring deficits associated with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Clinicians often use multiple treatment modalities in patients with CAI. However, evidence for combined intervention effectiveness in CAI patients remains limited. To determine if augmenting a balance-training protocol with STARS (BTS) results in greater improvements than balance training (BT) alone in those with CAI. Randomized-controlled trial. Research laboratory. 24 CAI participants (age 21.3 ± 2.0 y; height 169.8 ± 12.9 cm; mass 72.5 ± 22.2 kg) were randomized into 2 groups: BT and BTS. Participants completed a 4-week progression-based balance-training protocol consisting of 3 20-min sessions per week. The experimental group also received a 5-min set of STARS treatments consisting of calf stretching, plantar massage, ankle joint mobilizations, and ankle joint traction before each balance-training session. Outcomes included self-assessed disability, Star Excursion Balance Test reach distance, and time-to-boundary calculated from static balance trials. All outcomes were assessed before, and 24-hours and 1-week after protocol completion. Self-assessed disability was also captured 1-month after the intervention. No significant group differences were identified (P > .10). Both groups demonstrated improvements in all outcome categories after the interventions (P < .10), many of which were retained at 1-week posttest (P < .10). Although 90% CIs include zero, effect sizes favor BTS. Similarly, only the BTS group exceeded the minimal detectable change for time-to-boundary outcomes. While statistically no more effective, exceeding minimal detectable change scores and favorable effect sizes suggest that a 4-week progressive BTS program may be more effective at improving self-assessed disability and postural control in CAI patients than balance training in isolation.

A Review of Environmental Occurrence, Fate, Exposure, and Toxicity of Benzothiazoles.

PubMed

Liao, Chunyang; Kim, Un-Jung; Kannan, Kurunthachalam

2018-05-01

Benzothiazole and its derivatives (BTs) are high production volume chemicals that have been used for several decades in a large number of industrial and consumer products, including vulcanization accelerators, corrosion inhibitors, fungicides, herbicides, algicides, and ultraviolet (UV) light stabilizers. Several benzothiazole derivatives are used commercially, and widespread use of these chemicals has led to ubiquitous occurrence in diverse environmental compartments. BTs have been reported to be dermal sensitizers, respiratory tract irritants, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and genotoxicants. This article reviews occurrence and fate of a select group of BTs in the environment, as well as human exposure and toxicity. BTs have frequently been found in various environmental matrices at concentrations ranging from sub-ng/L (surface water) to several tens of μg/g (indoor dust). The use of BTs in a number of consumer products, especially in rubber products, has resulted in widespread human exposure. BTs undergo chemical, biological, and photolytic degradation in the environment, creating several transformation products. Of these, 2-thiocyanomethylthio-benzothiazole (2-SCNMeS-BTH) has been shown to be the most toxic. Epidemiological studies have shown excess risks of cancers, including bladder cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia, among rubber factory workers, particularly those exposed to 2-mercapto-benzothiazole (2-SH-BTH). Human exposure to BTs continues to be a concern.

Usefulness of a novel slim type FlushKnife-BT over conventional FlushKnife-BT in esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

PubMed

Ohara, Yoshiko; Toyonaga, Takashi; Hoshi, Namiko; Tanaka, Shinwa; Baba, Shinichi; Takihara, Hiroshi; Kawara, Fumiaki; Ishida, Tsukasa; Morita, Yoshinori; Umegaki, Eiji; Azuma, Takeshi

2017-03-07

To investigated the usefulness of a novel slim type ball-tipped FlushKnife (FlushKnife-BTS) over ball-tipped FlushKnife (FlushKnife-BT) in functional experiments and clinical practice. In order to evaluate the functionality of FlushKnife-BTS, water aspiration speed, resistance to knife insertion through the scope, and waterjet flushing speed were compared between FlushKnife-BTS and BT. In clinical practice, esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) performed using FlushKnife-BTS or BT by an experienced endoscopist between October 2015 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment speed and frequency of removing and reinserting the knife to aspirate fluid and air during ESD sessions were analyzed. Functional experiments revealed that water aspiration speed by the endoscope equipped with a 2.8-mm working channel with FlushKnife-BTS was 7.7-fold faster than that with conventional FlushKnife-BT. Resistance to knife insertion inside the scope with a 2.8-mm working channel was reduced by 40% with FlushKnife-BTS. The waterjet flushing speed was faster with the use of FlushKnife-BT. In clinical practice, a comparison of 6 and 7 ESD using FlushKnife-BT and BTS, respectively, revealed that the median treatment speed was 25.5 mm 2 /min (range 19.6-30.3) in the BT group and 44.2 mm 2 /min (range 15.5-55.4) in the BTS group ( P = 0.0633). However, the median treatment speed was significantly faster with FlushKnife-BTS when the resection size was larger than 1000 m 2 ( n = 4, median 24.2 mm 2 /min, range 19.6-27.7 vs n = 4, median 47.4 mm 2 /min, range 44.2-55.4, P = 0.0209). The frequency of knife replacement was less in the BTS group (median 1.76 times in one hour, range 0-5.45) than in the BT group (7.02 times in one hour, range 4.23-15) ( P = 0.0065). Our results indicate that FlushKnife-BTS enhances the performance of ESD, particularly for large lesions, by improving air and fluid aspiration and knife insertion during ESD and reducing the frequency of knife removal and reinsertion.

Usefulness of a novel slim type FlushKnife-BT over conventional FlushKnife-BT in esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection

PubMed Central

Ohara, Yoshiko; Toyonaga, Takashi; Hoshi, Namiko; Tanaka, Shinwa; Baba, Shinichi; Takihara, Hiroshi; Kawara, Fumiaki; Ishida, Tsukasa; Morita, Yoshinori; Umegaki, Eiji; Azuma, Takeshi

2017-01-01

AIM To investigated the usefulness of a novel slim type ball-tipped FlushKnife (FlushKnife-BTS) over ball-tipped FlushKnife (FlushKnife-BT) in functional experiments and clinical practice. METHODS In order to evaluate the functionality of FlushKnife-BTS, water aspiration speed, resistance to knife insertion through the scope, and waterjet flushing speed were compared between FlushKnife-BTS and BT. In clinical practice, esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) performed using FlushKnife-BTS or BT by an experienced endoscopist between October 2015 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment speed and frequency of removing and reinserting the knife to aspirate fluid and air during ESD sessions were analyzed. RESULTS Functional experiments revealed that water aspiration speed by the endoscope equipped with a 2.8-mm working channel with FlushKnife-BTS was 7.7-fold faster than that with conventional FlushKnife-BT. Resistance to knife insertion inside the scope with a 2.8-mm working channel was reduced by 40% with FlushKnife-BTS. The waterjet flushing speed was faster with the use of FlushKnife-BT. In clinical practice, a comparison of 6 and 7 ESD using FlushKnife-BT and BTS, respectively, revealed that the median treatment speed was 25.5 mm2/min (range 19.6-30.3) in the BT group and 44.2 mm2/min (range 15.5-55.4) in the BTS group (P = 0.0633). However, the median treatment speed was significantly faster with FlushKnife-BTS when the resection size was larger than 1000 m2 (n = 4, median 24.2 mm2/min, range 19.6-27.7 vs n = 4, median 47.4 mm2/min, range 44.2-55.4, P = 0.0209). The frequency of knife replacement was less in the BTS group (median 1.76 times in one hour, range 0-5.45) than in the BT group (7.02 times in one hour, range 4.23-15) (P = 0.0065). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that FlushKnife-BTS enhances the performance of ESD, particularly for large lesions, by improving air and fluid aspiration and knife insertion during ESD and reducing the frequency of knife removal and reinsertion. PMID:28321167

English Articulation between the San Francisco Unified School District and the City College of San Francisco. Youth Data Archive Issue Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gurantz, Oded

2012-01-01

San Francisco's Bridge to Success (BtS) initiative brings together the City and County of San Francisco, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), the City College of San Francisco (CCSF), and key community organizations to promote postsecondary success for underrepresented students. Various working groups, each comprised of staff from…

Ovarian Brenner tumour: a morphologic and immunohistochemical analysis suggesting an origin from fallopian tube epithelium.

PubMed

Kuhn, Elisabetta; Ayhan, Ayse; Shih, Ie-Ming; Seidman, Jeffrey D; Kurman, Robert J

2013-12-01

Brenner tumours (BTs), like other epithelial ovarian tumours, are thought to develop from the ovarian surface epithelium. We hypothesised that BTs arise from transitional metaplasia near the tuboperitoneal junction which, when embedded in the ovary as Walthard cell nests, may progress to BTs. The aim of this study was to validate this hypothesis by a morphologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. The IHC analysis revealed that fallopian tube secretory cells, transitional metaplasia, Walthard cell nests and the epithelial component of BTs shared a similar IHC profile, consistently expressing AKR1C3 (an enzyme involved in androgen biosynthesis) and androgen receptor, but not calretinin. The tumour stromal cells that immediately surrounded the epithelial nests showed strong expression of calretinin, inhibin and steroidogenic factor 1 (markers of steroidogenic cells) in the majority of BTs. Using a highly sensitive immunofluorescent staining method, we detected small groups of cilia in transitional metaplasia and Walthard cell nests, multifocal stretches of cilia and/or ciliated vacuoles in benign BTs and well-developed cilia in atypical proliferative BTs. Our findings suggest a tubal origin of BTs through transitional metaplasia and Walthard cell nests, based on their anatomic proximity, similar IHC profile and the presence of cilia. In addition, we hypothesise a role of androgenic stimulation in the pathogenesis of BT, based on the IHC staining pattern of calretinin, inhibin and steroidogenic factor 1 expressed in the luteinised stromal cells surrounding the epithelial nests of the tumours, and AKR1C3 and androgen receptor expressed in both the epithelial and stromal components. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sunlight photolysis of benzotriazoles - Identification of transformation products and pathways.

PubMed

Weidauer, Cindy; Davis, Caroline; Raeke, Julia; Seiwert, Bettina; Reemtsma, Thorsten

2016-07-01

Benzotriazoles (BTs) are widely used corrosion inhibitors, incompletely removed in municipal wastewater treatment. The photochemical fate of the three BTs 1H-benzotriazole (1H-BT), 4-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (4Me-BT) and 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (5Me-BT) and of three microbial metabolites, was studied under simulated sunlight (290-800 nm) at neutral pH in aqueous solution for 24 h. The half-life, the quantum yield and the reaction rate were determined and a total of 36 photolysis products were detected and identified using liquid chromatography-high resolution-mass spectrometry. The half-lives of all six BTs were in the range of 6-24 h under the experimental conditions. Though the quantum yields were comparatively low (0.0007-0.0021), the environmental half-lives ranged from 2.4 to 8 d, suggesting that sunlight photolysis is still a relevant degradation process of BTs in surface waters. The photolysis pathway of 1H-BT under simulated sunlight differed from that suggested for UV-radiation, in that aminophenol is formed directly rather than via aniline. Similar pathways were found for the other BTs, except for 4-hydroxy-1H-benzotriazole (4OH-BT). Most identified transformation products of the BTs showed a high reactivity and appear not to persist in the environment. Upon co-photolysis of BTs with dissolved organic matter (DOM), however, series of reaction products were determined by Fourier transform - ion cyclotron resonance - mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) which are formed by reaction of photolysis intermediates of the BTs with DOM. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biphasic insulin-releasing effect of BTS 67 582 in rats.

PubMed

Storey, D A; Bailey, C J

1998-12-01

BTS 67 582 (1,1-dimethyl-2(2-morpholinophenyl)guanidine fumarate) is being developed as a short-acting anti-diabetic insulin secretagogue. The effect of BTS 67 582 on the phasic pattern of insulin release was assessed in anaesthetized normal rats by measuring arterial plasma insulin concentrations while arterial glucose concentrations were fixed at 6, 8.5 and 12.5 mM. Intravenous BTS 67 582 (10 mg kg(-1)) induced an immediate but transient increase in insulin concentrations which declined by 10 min (first phase). This was followed by a smaller but sustained increase in insulin concentrations (second phase). The increment from basal to peak insulin release (0-2 min) was independent of glucose, but the first phase was maintained for longer and the second phase was greater at the highest concentration of glucose (12.5 mM). BTS 67 582 also extended the first-phase insulin response to a standard intravenous glucose challenge and enhanced the rate of glucose disappearance by approximately 12%. Thus BTS 67 582 causes biphasic stimulation of insulin release and augments the insulin-releasing effect of glucose.

Solution-phase synthesis of a hindered N-methylated tetrapeptide using Bts-protected amino acid chlorides: efficient coupling and methylation steps allow purification by extraction.

PubMed

Vedejs, E; Kongkittingam, C

2000-04-21

N-Benzothiazole-2-sulfonyl (Bts)-protected amino acid chlorides were used to prepare the hindered cyclosporin 8-11 tetrapeptide subunit 1. The synthesis was performed via 3a and the deprotected amines 5a, 13, and 19, including three repeated cycles involving N-methylation using iodomethane/potassium carbonate, deprotection of the Bts group, and N-acylation with a N-Bts-amino acid chloride such as 9b or 9c. Among three Bts cleavage methods compared (H3PO2/THF; NaBH4/EtOH; PhSH/K2CO3), the third gave somewhat higher overall yields. N-Acylation of 5a with the Bts-protected N-methylamino acid chloride 10b followed by deprotection was also highly efficient and could be used as an alternative route to 11. Each of the deprotected amines was isolated without chromatography using simple extraction methods to remove neutral byproducts. The tetrapeptide 1 was obtained in analytically pure form as the monohydrate.

Management of spontaneous pneumothorax compared to British Thoracic Society (BTS) 2003 guidelines: a district general hospital audit.

PubMed

Medford, Andrew Rl; Pepperell, Justin Ct

2007-10-01

In 1993, the British Thoracic Society (BTS) issued guidelines for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). These were refined in 2003. To determine adherence to the 2003 BTS SP guidelines in a district general hospital. An initial retrospective audit of 52 episodes of acute SP was performed. Subsequent intervention involved a junior doctor educational update on both the 2003 BTS guidelines and the initial audit results, and the setting up of an online guideline hyperlink. After the educational intervention a further prospective re-audit of 28 SP episodes was performed. Management of SP deviated considerably from the 2003 BTS guidelines in the initial audit - deviation rate 26.9%. After the intervention, a number of clinical management deviations persisted (32.1% deviation rate); these included failure to insert a chest drain despite unsuccessful aspiration, and attempting aspiration of symptomatic secondary SPs. Specific tools to improve standards might include a pneumothorax proforma to improve record keeping and a pneumothorax care pathway to reduce management deviations compared to BTS guidelines. Successful change also requires identification of the total target audience for any educational intervention.

75 FR 42818 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Collection of Safety Culture Data for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-22

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Innovative Technology Administration Agency Information...: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), DOT... the evaluation of a demonstration/ research program on voluntary reporting of close calls and near...

Ca²⁺-pumping impairment during repetitive fatiguing contractions in single myofibers: role of cross-bridge cycling.

PubMed

Nogueira, Leonardo; Shiah, Amy A; Gandra, Paulo G; Hogan, Michael C

2013-07-15

The energy cost of contractions in skeletal muscle involves activation of both actomyosin and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺-pump (SERCA) ATPases, which together determine the overall ATP demand. During repetitive contractions leading to fatigue, the relaxation rate and Ca²⁺ pumping become slowed, possibly because of intracellular metabolite accumulation. The role of the energy cost of cross-bridge cycling during contractile activity on Ca²⁺-pumping properties has not been investigated. Therefore, we inhibited cross-bridge cycling by incubating isolated Xenopus single fibers with N-benzyl-p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS) to study the mechanisms by which SR Ca²⁺ pumping is impaired during fatiguing contractions. Fibers were stimulated in the absence (control) and presence of BTS and cytosolic calcium ([Ca²⁺]c) transients or intracellular pH (pHi) changes were measured. BTS treatment allowed normal [Ca²⁺]c transients during stimulation without cross-bridge activation. At the time point that tension was reduced to 50% in the control condition, the fall in the peak [Ca²⁺]c and the increase in basal [Ca²⁺]c did not occur with BTS incubation. The progressively slower Ca²⁺ pumping rate and the fall in pHi during repetitive contractions were reduced during BTS conditions. However, when mitochondrial ATP supply was blocked during contractions with BTS present (BTS + cyanide), there was no further slowing in SR Ca²⁺ pumping during contractions compared with the BTS-alone condition. Furthermore, the fall in pHi was significantly less during the BTS + cyanide condition than in the control conditions. These results demonstrate that factors related to the energetic cost of cross-bridge cycling, possibly the accumulation of metabolites, inhibit the Ca²⁺ pumping rate during fatiguing contractions.

A Single-Cell View of the BtsSR/YpdAB Pyruvate Sensing Network in Escherichia coli and Its Biological Relevance.

PubMed

Vilhena, Cláudia; Kaganovitch, Eugen; Shin, Jae Yen; Grünberger, Alexander; Behr, Stefan; Kristoficova, Ivica; Brameyer, Sophie; Kohlheyer, Dietrich; Jung, Kirsten

2018-01-01

Fluctuating environments and individual physiological diversity force bacteria to constantly adapt and optimize the uptake of substrates. We focus here on two very similar two-component systems (TCSs) of Escherichia coli belonging to the LytS/LytTR family: BtsS/BtsR (formerly YehU/YehT) and YpdA/YpdB. Both TCSs respond to extracellular pyruvate, albeit with different affinities, typically during postexponential growth, and each system regulates expression of a single transporter gene, yjiY and yhjX , respectively. To obtain insights into the biological significance of these TCSs, we analyzed the activation of the target promoters at the single-cell level. We found unimodal cell-to-cell variability; however, the degree of variance was strongly influenced by the available nutrients and differed between the two TCSs. We hypothesized that activation of either of the TCSs helps individual cells to replenish carbon resources. To test this hypothesis, we compared wild-type cells with the btsSR ypdAB mutant under two metabolically modulated conditions: protein overproduction and persister formation. Although all wild-type cells were able to overproduce green fluorescent protein (GFP), about half of the btsSR ypdAB population was unable to overexpress GFP. Moreover, the percentage of persister cells, which tolerate antibiotic stress, was significantly lower in the wild-type cells than in the btsSR ypdAB population. Hence, we suggest that the BtsS/BtsR and YpdA/YpdB network contributes to a balancing of the physiological state of all cells within a population. IMPORTANCE Histidine kinase/response regulator (HK/RR) systems enable bacteria to respond to environmental and physiological fluctuations. Escherichia coli and other members of the Enterobacteriaceae possess two similar LytS/LytTR-type HK/RRs, BtsS/BtsR (formerly YehU/YehT) and YpdA/YpdB, which form a functional network. Both systems are activated in response to external pyruvate, typically when cells face overflow metabolism during post-exponential growth. Single-cell analysis of the activation of their respective target genes yjiY and yhjX revealed cell-to-cell variability, and the range of variation was strongly influenced by externally available nutrients. Based on the phenotypic characterization of a btsSR ypdAB mutant compared to the parental strain, we suggest that this TCS network supports an optimization of the physiological state of the individuals within the population. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Generalized Joint Hypermobility Is Predictive of Hip Capsular Thickness.

PubMed

Devitt, Brian M; Smith, Bjorn N; Stapf, Robert; Tacey, Mark; O'Donnell, John M

2017-04-01

The pathomechanics of hip microinstability are not clearly defined but are thought to involve anatomical abnormalities, repetitive forces across the hip, and ligamentous laxity. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and hip capsular thickness. The hypothesis was that GJH would be predictive of a thin hip capsule. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A prospective study was performed on 100 consecutive patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for the treatment of hip pain. A Beighton test score (BTS) was obtained prior to each procedure. The maximum score was 9, and a score of ≥4 was defined as hypermobile. Capsular thickness at the level of the anterior portal, corresponding to the location of the iliofemoral ligament, was measured arthroscopically using a calibrated probe. The presence of ligamentum teres (LT) pathology was also recorded. Fifty-five women and 45 men were included in the study. The mean age was 32 years (range, 18-45 years). The median hip capsule thickness was statistically greater in men than women (12.5 and 7.5 mm, respectively). The median BTS for men was 1 compared with 4 for women ( P < .001). A statistically significant association was found between BTS and capsular thickness; a BTS of <4 is strongly predictive of having a capsular thickness of ≥10 mm, while a BTS ≥4 correlates with a capsular thickness of <10 mm. There was a statistically greater incidence of LT tears in patients with a capsular thickness of ≤7.5 mm and a BTS of ≥4 ( P < .001). Measurement of the GJH is highly predictive of hip capsular thickness. A BTS of <4 correlates significantly with a capsular thickness of ≥10 mm, while a BTS ≥4 correlates significantly with a thickness of <10 mm.

Pulmonary annulus growth after the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in tetralogy of Fallot.

PubMed

Nakashima, Kouki; Itatani, Keiichi; Oka, Norihiko; Kitamura, Tadashi; Horai, Tetsuya; Hari, Yosuke; Miyaji, Kagami

2014-09-01

In tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), it is well known that postoperative pulmonary regurgitation reduces right ventricular function during long-term follow-up. Complete repair without a transannular patch should help avoid pulmonary regurgitation. Recently, primary complete repair has been preferred to the staged repair with use of a Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) even in neonates or small infants; however, little has been reported about the influence of a BTS on pulmonary annular growth. We examined 40 patients with TOF or double-outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis. Twenty-one patients received a BTS before complete repair, whereas 19 patients underwent primary complete repair. Pulmonary annular size was measured by echocardiography before BTS, complete repair, or both, and ventricular volume was measured by cardiac catheterization. There were no significant differences in complete repair age or body size between the groups. Pulmonary annulus sizes in the BTS group were smaller than those in the primary repair group (Z score, -5.1 ± 2.5 vs -3.7 ± 1.8). After the BTS, significant annular growth (Z score, -2.8 ± 2.1) was observed (p = 0.0028), with a significant increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (p = 0.015). When patients with severe pulmonary stenosis (Z score > -7.0) were excluded, pulmonary annular preservation at complete repair was achieved in 64.7% (11/17) of the BTS group and 36.8% (7/19) of the primary repair group (p = 0.088). The BTS increased the pulmonary annular size and the left ventricular volume during the 6 months before complete repair, resulting in preservation of the pulmonary valve function. Copyright © 2014 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Overproduction of Geranylgeraniol by Metabolically Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae▿

PubMed Central

Tokuhiro, Kenro; Muramatsu, Masayoshi; Ohto, Chikara; Kawaguchi, Toshiya; Obata, Shusei; Muramoto, Nobuhiko; Hirai, Masana; Takahashi, Haruo; Kondo, Akihiko; Sakuradani, Eiji; Shimizu, Sakayu

2009-01-01

(E, E, E)-Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) is a valuable starting material for perfumes and pharmaceutical products. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, GGOH is synthesized from the end products of the mevalonate pathway through the sequential reactions of farnesyl diphosphate synthetase (encoded by the ERG20 gene), geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (the BTS1 gene), and some endogenous phosphatases. We demonstrated that overexpression of the diacylglycerol diphosphate phosphatase (DPP1) gene could promote GGOH production. We also found that overexpression of a BTS1-DPP1 fusion gene was more efficient for producing GGOH than coexpression of these genes separately. Overexpression of the hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG1) gene, which encodes the major rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, resulted in overproduction of squalene (191.9 mg liter−1) rather than GGOH (0.2 mg liter−1) in test tube cultures. Coexpression of the BTS1-DPP1 fusion gene along with the HMG1 gene partially redirected the metabolic flux from squalene to GGOH. Additional expression of a BTS1-ERG20 fusion gene resulted in an almost complete shift of the flux to GGOH production (228.8 mg liter−1 GGOH and 6.5 mg liter−1 squalene). Finally, we constructed a diploid prototrophic strain coexpressing the HMG1, BTS1-DPP1, and BTS1-ERG20 genes from multicopy integration vectors. This strain attained 3.31 g liter−1 GGOH production in a 10-liter jar fermentor with gradual feeding of a mixed glucose and ethanol solution. The use of bifunctional fusion genes such as the BTS1-DPP1 and ERG20-BTS1 genes that code sequential enzymes in the metabolic pathway was an effective method for metabolic engineering. PMID:19592534

Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery for obstructive colorectal cancer: advantages and disadvantages.

PubMed

Haraguchi, Naotsugu; Ikeda, Masataka; Miyake, Masakazu; Yamada, Takuya; Sakakibara, Yuko; Mita, Eiji; Doki, Yuichiro; Mori, Masaki; Sekimoto, Mitsugu

2016-11-01

To clarify the advantages and disadvantages of stenting as a bridge to surgery (BTS) by comparing the clinical features and outcomes of patients who underwent BTS with those of patients who underwent emergency surgery (ES). We assessed technical success, clinical success, surgical procedures, stoma formation, complications, clinicopathological features, and Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) in patients who underwent BTS and those who underwent ES. Twenty-six patients underwent stenting, which was successful in 22 (BTS group). The remaining four patients with unsuccessful stenting underwent emergency surgery. A total of 22 patients underwent emergency surgery (ES group). The rates of technical and clinical success were 85.0 and 81.0 %, respectively. The proportion of patients able to be treated by laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.0001) and avoid colostomy (P = 0.0042) was significantly higher in the BTS group. Although the incidence of anastomotic leakage in the two groups was not significantly different, it was significantly reduced by colonoscopic evaluation of obstructive colitis (P = 0.0251). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.0056) and the proportion of D3 lymphadenectomy (P = 0.0241) were significantly greater in the BTS group. Perineural invasion (PNI) was noted in 59.1 and 18.2 % of the BTS group and ES group patients, respectively (P = 0.0053). OPNI and serum albumin decreased significantly after stenting (P = 0.0084). The advantages of stenting as a BTS were that it avoided colostomy and allowed for laparoscopic surgery and lymphadenectomy, whereas its disadvantage lay in the decreased PNI and OPNI levels. A larger study including an analysis of prognosis is warranted.

Cross-bridge blocker BTS permits direct measurement of SR Ca2+ pump ATP utilization in toadfish swimbladder muscle fibers.

PubMed

Young, Iain S; Harwood, Claire L; Rome, Lawrence C

2003-10-01

Because the major processes involved in muscle contraction require rapid utilization of ATP, measurement of ATP utilization can provide important insights into the mechanisms of contraction. It is necessary, however, to differentiate between the contribution made by cross-bridges and that of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pumps. Specific and potent SR Ca2+ pump blockers have been used in skinned fibers to permit direct measurement of cross-bridge ATP utilization. Up to now, there was no analogous cross-bridge blocker. Recently, N-benzyl-p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS) was found to suppress force generation at micromolar concentrations. We tested whether BTS could be used to block cross-bridge ATP utilization, thereby permitting direct measurement of SR Ca2+ pump ATP utilization in saponin-skinned fibers. At 25 microM, BTS virtually eliminates force and cross-bridge ATP utilization (both <4% of control value). By taking advantage of the toadfish swimbladder muscle's unique right shift in its force-Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) relationship, we measured SR Ca2+ pump ATP utilization in the presence and absence of BTS. At 25 microM, BTS had no effect on SR pump ATP utilization. Hence, we used BTS to make some of the first direct measurements of ATP utilization of intact SR over a physiological range of [Ca2+]at 15 degrees C. Curve fits to SR Ca2+ pump ATP utilization vs. pCa indicate that they have much lower Hill coefficients (1.49) than that describing cross-bridge force generation vs. pCa (approximately 5). Furthermore, we found that BTS also effectively eliminates force generation in bundles of intact swimbladder muscle, suggesting that it will be an important tool for studying integrated SR function during normal motor behavior.

Real-time biscuit tile image segmentation method based on edge detection.

PubMed

Matić, Tomislav; Aleksi, Ivan; Hocenski, Željko; Kraus, Dieter

2018-05-01

In this paper we propose a novel real-time Biscuit Tile Segmentation (BTS) method for images from ceramic tile production line. BTS method is based on signal change detection and contour tracing with a main goal of separating tile pixels from background in images captured on the production line. Usually, human operators are visually inspecting and classifying produced ceramic tiles. Computer vision and image processing techniques can automate visual inspection process if they fulfill real-time requirements. Important step in this process is a real-time tile pixels segmentation. BTS method is implemented for parallel execution on a GPU device to satisfy the real-time constraints of tile production line. BTS method outperforms 2D threshold-based methods, 1D edge detection methods and contour-based methods. Proposed BTS method is in use in the biscuit tile production line. Copyright © 2018 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pd-Catalyzed Acetoxylation of γ-C(sp3)-H Bonds of Amines Directed by a Removable Bts-Protecting Group.

PubMed

Zheng, Yong; Song, Weibin; Zhu, Yefu; Wei, Bole; Xuan, Lijiang

2018-02-16

Pd-catalyzed acetoxylation of γ-C(sp 3 )-H bonds directed by Bts-protected amines using inexpensive PhI(OAc) 2 as oxidant is reported. The Bts-protecting group is easily introduced and removed under mild conditions. This protocol provides an important strategy for the construction of γ-hydroxyl amine derivatives.

The updated billion-ton resource assessment

Treesearch

Anthony Turhollow; Robert Perlack; Laurence Eaton; Matthew Langholtz; Craig Brandt; Mark Downing; Lynn Wright; Kenneth Skog; Chad Hellwinckel; Bryce Stokes; Patricia Lebow

2014-01-01

This paper summarizes the results of an update to a resource assessment, published in 2005, commonly referred to as the Billion-Ton Study (BTS). The updated results are consistent with the 2005 BTS in terms of overall magnitude. The 2005 BTS projected between 860 and 1240 Tg of biomass available in the 2050 timeframe, while the Billion-Ton Update (BT2), for a price of...

National BTS bronchiectasis audit 2012: is the quality standard being adhered to in adult secondary care?

PubMed

Hill, Adam T; Routh, Chris; Welham, Sally

2014-03-01

A significant step towards improving care of patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis was the creation of the British Thoracic Society (BTS) national guidelines and the quality standard. A BTS bronchiectasis audit was conducted between 1 October and 30 November 2012, in adult patients with bronchiectasis attending secondary care, against the BTS quality standard. Ninety-eight institutions took part, submitting a total of 3147 patient records. The audit highlighted the variable adoption of the quality standard. It will allow the host institutions to benchmark against UK figures and drive quality improvement programmes to promote the quality standard and improve patient care.

Effects of BTS (N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide), an inhibitor for myosin-actin interaction, on myofibrillogenesis in skeletal muscle cells in culture.

PubMed

Kagawa, Maiko; Sato, Naruki; Obinata, Takashi

2006-11-01

Actin filaments align around myosin filaments in the correct polarity and in a hexagonal arrangement to form cross-striated structures. It has been postulated that this myosin-actin interaction is important in the initial phase of myofibrillogenesis. It was previously demonstrated that an inhibitor of actin-myosin interaction, BDM (2,3-butanedione monoxime), suppresses myofibril formation in muscle cells in culture. However, further study showed that BDM also exerts several additional effects on living cells. In this study, we further examined the role of actin-myosin interaction in myofibril assembly in primary cultures of chick embryonic skeletal muscle by applying a more specific inhibitor, BTS (N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide), of myosin ATPase and actin-myosin interaction. The assembly of sarcomeric structures from myofibrillar proteins was examined by immunocytochemical methods with the application of BTS to myotubes just after fusion. Addition of BTS (10-50 microM) significantly suppressed the organization of actin and myosin into cross-striated structures. BTS also interfered in the organization of alpha-actinin, C-protein (or MyBP-C), and connectin (or titin) into ordered striated structures, though the sensitivity was less. Moreover, when myotubes cultured in the presence of BTS were transferred to a control medium, sarcomeric structures were formed in 2-3 days, indicating that the inhibitory effect of BTS on myotubes is reversible. These results show that actin-myosin interaction plays a critical role in the process of myofibrillogenesis.

14 CFR 291.44 - BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... other than Jet A fuel, a footnote shall be added indicating the number of gallons and applicable costs... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by... TRANSPORTATION Reporting Rules § 291.44 BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity. (a...

14 CFR 291.44 - BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... other than Jet A fuel, a footnote shall be added indicating the number of gallons and applicable costs... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by... TRANSPORTATION Reporting Rules § 291.44 BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity. (a...

14 CFR 291.44 - BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... other than Jet A fuel, a footnote shall be added indicating the number of gallons and applicable costs... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by... TRANSPORTATION Reporting Rules § 291.44 BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity. (a...

Occurrence of benzothiazole and its derivates in tire wear, road dust, and roadside soil.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Zhang, Xinfeng; Wu, Lin; Wang, Ting; Zhao, Jingbo; Zhang, Yanjie; Men, Zhengyu; Mao, Hongjun

2018-06-01

Benzothiazole (BT) and its derivates are commonly used as vulcanization accelerators in rubber production. Information on the occurrence of BTs in road dust (RD) and on human exposure to these compounds is very limited. BT and its six derivates in tire wear particles (TWPs) and RD were determined in this study. Samples were extracted using solid-liquid extraction, purified by a HLB SPE column, and determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). All seven BTs were found in 17 TWPs samples from different tire brands. The mass fractions of all seven BTs (∑BTs) in TWPs ranged from 46.93 to 215 μg/g with an average concentration of 99.32 μg/g. Benzothiazole and 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (2-OH-BT) were the two major compounds, accounting for 56%-89% of the total. The seven BTs were also found in all 36 sets of RD samples (each set included one sample of TSP (particles < 75 μm in diameter), PM 10 (particles < 10 μm in diameter) and PM 2.5 (particles < 2.5 μm in diameter)) fractions of RD. The median ∑BTs concentration was highest in PM 2.5 (26.62 μg/g), followed by PM 10 (22.03 μg/g), and TSP (0.68 μg/g). Of the seven BTs, BT, 2-aminobenzothiazole (2-NH 2 -BT), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), and 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole (MTBT) were distributed in PM 2.5 and 2-OH-BT was distributed in PM 2.5-10 of RD. Based on the mass fractions of BTs in the TSP, PM 10 , and PM 2.5 fractions of RD, human exposure via ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption were evaluated. Ingestion was found to be the main exposure pathway in humans, and daily intake of BTs in PM 2.5 was highest, followed by PM 10 and TSP, respectively. Children may suffer more health risks than adults when exposed to RD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of a Bimetallic Treatment System (BTS) for PCB Removal from Older Structures on DoD Facilities. Cost and Performance Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-01

Bimetallic Treatment System (BTS) for PCB Removal from Older Structures on DoD Facilities By Thomas Krug and Suzanne O’Hara, Geosyntec...COST AND PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR: Application of a Bimetallic Treatment System (BTS) for PCB Removal from Older Structures on DOD Facilities...11 3.4 Reduction in PCB concentrations in treated paint to less

Mechanical load plays little role in contraction-mediated glucose transport in mouse skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Sandström, Marie E; Zhang, Shi-Jin; Westerblad, Håkan; Katz, Abram

2007-01-01

The factors responsible for control of glucose transport during exercise are not fully understood. We investigated the role of mechanical load in contraction-mediated glucose transport in an isolated muscle preparation. Mouse extensor digitorum longus muscles were stimulated with repeated contractions for 10 min with or without N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide (BTS, an inhibitor of myosin II ATPase) to block crossbridge activity. BTS inhibited force production during repeated contraction to ∼5% of control. In contrast, BTS had little effect on glucose transport in the basal state (control = 0.55 ± 0.04; BTS = 0.47 ± 0.09 μmol (20 min)−1 ml−1) or after contraction (control = 2.27 ± 0.15; BTS = 2.10 ± 0.16 μmol (20 min)−1 ml−1). BTS did not significantly alter the contraction-mediated changes in high-energy phosphates, glutathione status (a measure of oxidant status) or AMP-activated protein kinase activity. In conclusion, these data show that mechanical load plays little role in contraction-mediated glucose transport. Instead, it is likely that the increased glucose transport during contraction is a consequence of the increase in myoplasmic Ca2+ and the subsequent alterations in metabolism, e.g. increased energy turnover and production of reactive oxygen species. PMID:17185338

Chronic care model implementation in the California State Prison System.

PubMed

Ha, Betsy Chang; Robinson, Greg

2011-04-01

The chronic care model (CCM) deployed through a learning collaborative strategy, such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Breakthrough Series (BTS), is a widely adopted approach to improve care that has guided clinical quality initiatives nationally and internationally. The BTS collaborative approach has been used to improve chronic conditions at national and state levels and in single health care delivery systems but not in correctional health care. Combining the CCM with a learning collaborative strategy in prison health care is a new frontier. This article describes the adoption of the CCM using a learning collaborative approach in the California prison system under the mandate of a federal receivership and elucidates some barriers to implementation. Results from the first phase of a pilot study were positive in terms of benefit/ cost analysis and suggest financial and political viability to continue the program.

Generalized Joint Hypermobility Is Predictive of Hip Capsular Thickness

PubMed Central

Devitt, Brian M.; Smith, Bjorn N.; Stapf, Robert; Tacey, Mark; O’Donnell, John M.

2017-01-01

Background: The pathomechanics of hip microinstability are not clearly defined but are thought to involve anatomical abnormalities, repetitive forces across the hip, and ligamentous laxity. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and hip capsular thickness. The hypothesis was that GJH would be predictive of a thin hip capsule. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A prospective study was performed on 100 consecutive patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for the treatment of hip pain. A Beighton test score (BTS) was obtained prior to each procedure. The maximum score was 9, and a score of ≥4 was defined as hypermobile. Capsular thickness at the level of the anterior portal, corresponding to the location of the iliofemoral ligament, was measured arthroscopically using a calibrated probe. The presence of ligamentum teres (LT) pathology was also recorded. Results: Fifty-five women and 45 men were included in the study. The mean age was 32 years (range, 18-45 years). The median hip capsule thickness was statistically greater in men than women (12.5 and 7.5 mm, respectively). The median BTS for men was 1 compared with 4 for women (P < .001). A statistically significant association was found between BTS and capsular thickness; a BTS of <4 is strongly predictive of having a capsular thickness of ≥10 mm, while a BTS ≥4 correlates with a capsular thickness of <10 mm. There was a statistically greater incidence of LT tears in patients with a capsular thickness of ≤7.5 mm and a BTS of ≥4 (P < .001). Conclusion: Measurement of the GJH is highly predictive of hip capsular thickness. A BTS of <4 correlates significantly with a capsular thickness of ≥10 mm, while a BTS ≥4 correlates significantly with a thickness of <10 mm. PMID:28451620

Ovarian transitional cell carcinoma represents a poorly differentiated form of high-grade serous or endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Tadahisa; Ohishi, Yoshihiro; Imamura, Hiroko; Aman, Murasaki; Shida, Kaai; Kobayashi, Hiroaki; Kato, Kiyoko; Oda, Yoshinao

2013-07-01

Ovarian transitional cell tumors include Brenner tumors (BTs) and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC; non-BTs) according to the most recent World Health Organization classification. However, it remains a matter of debate whether TCC represents a distinct entity or a morphologic variant of high-grade serous adenocarcinoma (HG-SC). The purpose of this study was to resolve the above question by clarifying the morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of TCC. We reviewed 488 cases of epithelial ovarian carcinomas and reclassified them on the basis of the most recent World Health Organization classification with the modifications proposed by Köbel and colleagues, and 35 cases of TCC were identified; 25 and 6 TCCs were admixed with HG-SC and endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EC), respectively, and the remaining 4 cases were pure TCC. TCC components were not observed in any clear cell carcinomas or mucinous adenocarcinomas. Only 2 cases of malignant BT were identified. In addition to TCCs, malignant BTs, and related adenocarcinomas, benign and borderline BTs were included in the following immunohistochemical and molecular analyses. Immunohistochemically, pure TCCs, TCCs admixed with HG-SC, and pure HG-SCs were characterized by frequent aberrant p53 expression (diffuse or null pattern) and WT1+/ER+/PR+/IMP2+ immunophenotype, whereas BTs, including benign, borderline, and malignant BTs, were characterized by lack of aberrant p53 expression and WT1-/ER-/PR-/IMP2- immunophenotype. In contrast to the BTs, pure ECs and TCCs admixed with EC showed an ER+/PR+ immunophenotype. Nearly all the tumors with a TP53 gene mutation by molecular analysis showed aberrant p53 staining patterns. In conclusion, TCC is not a distinct entity but a poorly differentiated form of serous or EC, as (1) most TCCs coexist with HG-SC (mostly) or EC (occasionally), and (2) the immunophenotype and molecular features are similar to those of HG-SC or EC but different from those of BTs.

The monoamine reuptake inhibitor BTS 74 398 fails to evoke established dyskinesia but does not synergise with levodopa in MPTP-treated primates.

PubMed

Hansard, Matthew J; Smith, Lance A; Jackson, Michael J; Cheetham, Sharon C; Jenner, Peter

2004-01-01

Long-term treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) with levodopa (L-dopa) induces dyskinesia that, once established, is provoked by each dose of L-dopa or a dopamine (DA) agonist. In contrast, monoamine reuptake inhibitors may reverse motor deficits in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated primates without provoking established involuntary movements. We now examine whether the potent monoamine reuptake blocker BTS 74 398 induces established dyskinesia in MPTP-treated common marmosets primed previously with L-dopa and whether co-administration of BTS 74 398 with L-dopa potentiates motor behaviour and dyskinesia induced by acute L-dopa treatment. Administration of BTS 74 398 (2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg, p.o.) in MPTP-treated common marmosets increased locomotor activity and reduced motor disability in a dose-related manner but did not provoke involuntary movements. BTS 74 398 (2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg p.o.) co-administered with a threshold dose of L-dopa (2.5 mg/kg p.o.) did not evoke a motor response or induce dyskinesia. Similarly, concomitant administration of BTS 74 398 (5.0 mg/kg p.o.) with a submaximal L-dopa dose (12.5 mg/kg p.o.) did not potentiate the motor response produced by L-dopa alone and there was no alteration in the dyskinesia provoked by L-dopa challenge. BTS 74 398 reverses motor abnormalities in MPTP-treated marmosets without evoking established dyskinesia but no additive improvement occurs when administered in combination with L-dopa. The lack of synergy with L-dopa may suggest different sites of drug action. Copyright 2003 Movement Disorder Society

Bucky Tubes Induce Oxidative Stress Mediated Cell Death in Human Lung Cells

PubMed Central

Singhal, Jaya; Singh, Surinder P.; Karuppiah, Stalin; Pandey, Alok K.

2015-01-01

Unique physicochemical properties of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have opened a new era for therapeutics and diagnosis (known as theranostics) of various diseases. This exponential increase in application makes them important for toxicology studies. The present study was aimed at exploring the toxic potential of one of the CNMs, that is, bucky tubes (BTs), in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell line. BTs were characterised by electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Flow cytometric study showed a concentration and time dependent increase in intracellular internalization as well as reduction in cell viability upon exposure to BTs. However, a significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed as evident by increased fluorescence intensity of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCF). BTs induced oxidative stress in cells as evident by depletion in glutathione with concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation with increasing concentrations. A significant increase in micronucleus formation and apoptotic cell population and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as compared to control were observed. Moreover, in the present study, BTs were found to be mild toxic and it is encouraging to conclude that BTs having outer diameter in the range of 7–12 nm and length 0.5–10 μm can be used for theranostics. PMID:26090421

Round robin test on V-shape bio-imaging transfer standard for determination of the instrument transfer function of 3D optical profilers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermudez, Carlos; Artigas, Roger; Martinez, Pol; Nolvi, Anton; Järvinen, Miikka; Hæggström, Edward; Kassamakov, Ivan

2018-02-01

A V-shape Bio-Transfer-Standard (V-BTS), developed and produced at the University of Helsinki (UH), was measured in two laboratories. In comparison to Siemens Star calibration specimens, the V-BTS performs better at high lateral frequencies close to the diffraction limit of the optical instrument. This permits determining of the Instrument Transfer Function (ITF). The V-BTS features two lipid bilayer steps that partly overlap each other at an angle of 20°, with an average height of 4.6 +/- 0.1 nm. The Round Robin (RR) test aims to determine whether the V-BTS and the developed application protocol work with different optical profilers in different laboratories. First the artefact was measured at Sensofar-Tech, S.L. using an S-neox profiler working in Phase Shifting Interferometry mode. Then V-BTS was measured at UH using a custom-built Scanning White Light Interferometer. All measurements done by four different operators at the two laboratories have a range or standard deviation of +/-0.1 nm which agrees with the theoretical estimates and with measurements done using an atomic force microscope and with a surface plasmon resonance based instrument. The RR results show the applicability of the V-BTS for calibration and for ITF characterization of 3D optical profilers.

Are BTS guidelines followed?

PubMed

2002-03-01

In 1993, the British Thoracic Society (BTS) issued guidelines for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax. The study's aim was to determine the level of adherence to these guidelines at a London teaching hospital. A retrospective case note audit of 59 episodes was performed. In patients undergoing intervention, the initial procedure was simple aspiration in 32 (73 per cent) and chest tube insertion in 12 (27 per cent) cases, contrasting with the BTS recommendation that aspiration should be attempted first in all such patients. Simple aspiration was successful on 34 per cent of occasions. Successful aspiration was associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay (median 3, range 1-11 days) than either failed aspiration (7, 3-66 days) or chest tube insertion without aspiration (9, 3-16 days). Other areas where practice differed from the BTS guidelines were clamping of chest tubes and use of a pursestring suture for wound closure. A follow up questionnaire suggested a lack of familiarity with the guidelines. These findings indicate that current management of spontaneous pneumothorax deviates from the BTS guidelines in potentially important respects.

BTS statistical standards manual

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-10-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), like other federal statistical agencies, establishes professional standards to guide the methods and procedures for the collection, processing, storage, and presentation of statistical data. Standards an...

Nonlinear dielectric properties and tunability of 0.9Pb(Mg1/3,Nb2/3)O3-0.1 PbTiO3 and Ba(Ti0.85,Sn0.15)O3 paraelectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akdogan, E. K.; Hall, A.; Simon, W. K.; Safari, A.

2007-01-01

We investigate the nonlinear dielectric properties of 0.9Pb(Mg1/3,Nb2/3)O3•0.1PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) and Ba[Ti0.85,Sn0.15]O3 (BTS) paraelectrics experimentally and theoretically. We measure the nonlinear dielectric response in the parallel plate capacitor configuration, whereby we obtain the low frequency linear permittivity (ε33), and the higher order permittivities (ε3333,ε333333) at 298K as ε33PMN-PT=2.1×10-7 and ε33BTS=4.1×10-8F /m, ε3333PMN-PT=-4.9×10-20 and ε3333BTS=-7.3×10-21F3m /C2, and ε333333PMN-PT=7.6×10-33 and ε333333BTS=9.85×10-34F5m3/C4. By using a self-consistent thermodynamic theory in conjunction with the experimental data, we compute the E3 dependence of electrostatic free energy ΔG, the field-induced polarization P3, and the thermodynamic tunability ∂2P3/∂E32, and prove that electrostatic free energy has to be expanded at least up to the sixth order in the electric field to define the critical field ∣E3*∣ at which maximum tunability is attained. We also show that ∣E3*∣ is a function on ∣ε3333∣/ε333333 only. Consequently, we find ∣E3*∣PMN-PT=8.0×105V /m and ∣E3*∣BTS=8.6×105V/m. We compute the engineering tunabilities as ΓPMN-PT=65% and ΓBTS=55%, and then define a normalized tunability ξ to take into account the ∣E3*∣ parameter. Thereof, we determine ∣ξ ∣PMT-PT=8.1×10-5%/Vm-1 and ∣ξ∣BTS=6.4×10-5%/Vm-1. Our results reveal that ∣E3*∣BTS>∣E3*∣PMN-PT although ΓBTS<ΓPMN-PT, unequivocally showing the need for defining a critical field parameter in evaluating the nonlinear dielectric response and tunability, in particular, and in nonlinear dielectrics in general. The results also indicate that the nonlinear dielectric properties of PMN-PT are an order of magnitude higher than that of BTS, which we discuss in the context of structure-property relations of relaxors.

Significant accomplishments, 2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

BTS data is vital to improve transportation decision : making, as well as evaluations of performance and : what works in the nations transportation systems. : As BTS continues its course of producing relevant, : accurate, and timely transpor...

Industry Snapshots: Uses of Transportation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-09-14

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) estimates that transportation directly created $659.1 billion of economic activity by moving goods in 2012. BTS measures this contribution to the gross domestic product in the Transportation Satellite Acc...

State transportation statistics 2004

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-12-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) presents State Transportation : Statistics 2004, a statistical profile of transportation in the 50 states and the : District of Columbia. This document is a successor to the BTS State : Transportation Pro...

Iron-Binding E3 Ligase Mediates Iron Response in Plants by Targeting Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Selote, Devarshi; Samira, Rozalynne; Matthiadis, Anna; Gillikin, Jeffrey W.; Long, Terri A.

2015-01-01

Iron uptake and metabolism are tightly regulated in both plants and animals. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), BRUTUS (BTS), which contains three hemerythrin (HHE) domains and a Really Interesting New Gene (RING) domain, interacts with basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors that are capable of forming heterodimers with POPEYE (PYE), a positive regulator of the iron deficiency response. BTS has been shown to have E3 ligase capacity and to play a role in root growth, rhizosphere acidification, and iron reductase activity in response to iron deprivation. To further characterize the function of this protein, we examined the expression pattern of recombinant ProBTS::β-GLUCURONIDASE and found that it is expressed in developing embryos and other reproductive tissues, corresponding with its apparent role in reproductive growth and development. Our findings also indicate that the interactions between BTS and PYE-like (PYEL) basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors occur within the nucleus and are dependent on the presence of the RING domain. We provide evidence that BTS facilitates 26S proteasome-mediated degradation of PYEL proteins in the absence of iron. We also determined that, upon binding iron at the HHE domains, BTS is destabilized and that this destabilization relies on specific residues within the HHE domains. This study reveals an important and unique mechanism for plant iron homeostasis whereby an E3 ubiquitin ligase may posttranslationally control components of the transcriptional regulatory network involved in the iron deficiency response. PMID:25452667

Inhibitory effect of bofutsushosan (fang feng tong sheng san) on glucose transporter 5 function in vitro.

PubMed

Gao, Shengli; Satsu, Hideo; Makino, Toshiaki

2018-03-01

Bofutsushosan (BTS; fang feng tong sheng san in Chinese) is a formula in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and Chinese medicine comprising eighteen crude drugs, and is used to treat obesity and metabolic syndrome. Fructose is contained in refreshing beverages as high-fructose corn syrup, and is associated with obesity. Fructose is absorbed via glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5) in the intestine. Therefore, the inhibition of GLUT5 is considered to be a target of obesity drugs. We evaluated the inhibitory effects of BTS extract and its constituents on fructose uptake using Chinese hamster ovary K1 cells, i.e., cells stably expressing GLUT5. Boiled water extract of BTS significantly suppressed GLUT5 function in a concentration-dependent manner without cytotoxicities. Among 18 components of BTS, the boiled water extracts of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, the root and rhizome of Saposhnikovia divaricata, and the root of Platycodon grandiflorum exhibited significant inhibitory effects on fructose uptake with IC 50 values of 314, 119 and 475 µg/ml, respectively. Among the constituents of the rhizome of Z. officinale extract, 6-gingerol significantly inhibited GLUT5 with an IC 50 value of 39 µM, while 6-shogaol exhibited a significant but weak inhibition on GLUT5 at 100 µM. One of the mechanisms of action of BTS may be the inhibition of fructose absorption in the intestine, and one of the active components of BTS is the rhizome of Z. officinale and 6-gingerol.

Industry Snapshots: Uses of Transportation: 2015

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-10-24

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) estimates that transportation directly created $692.0 billion of economic activity by moving goods in 2014. BTS measures this contribution to the gross domestic product in the Transportation Satellite Acc...

Fermentation Characteristics, Tannin Contents and In vitro Ruminal Degradation of Green Tea and Black Tea By-products Ensiled at Different Temperatures

PubMed Central

Kondo, Makoto; Hirano, Yoshiaki; Kita, Kazumi; Jayanegara, Anuraga; Yokota, Hiro-omi

2014-01-01

Green and black tea by-products, obtained from ready-made tea industry, were ensiled at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. Green tea by-product silage (GTS) and black tea by-product silage (BTS) were opened at 5, 10, 45 days after ensiling. Fermentation characteristics and nutrient composition, including tannins, were monitored and the silages on day 45 were subjected to in vitro ruminal fermentation to assess anti-nutritive effects of tannins using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a tannin-binding agent. Results showed that the GTS and BTS silages were stable and fermented slightly when ensiled at 10°C. The GTS stored at 20°C and 30°C showed rapid pH decline and high acetic acid concentration. The BTS was fermented gradually with moderate change of pH and acid concentration. Acetic acid was the main acid product of fermentation in both GTS and BTS. The contents of total extractable phenolics and total extractable tannins in both silages were unaffected by storage temperatures, but condensed tannins in GTS were less when stored at high temperature. The GTS showed no PEG response on in vitro gas production, and revealed only a small increase by PEG on NH3-N concentration. Storage temperature of GTS did not affect the extent of PEG response to both gas production and NH3-N concentration. On the other hand, addition of PEG on BTS markedly increased both the gas production and NH3-N concentration at any ensiled temperature. It can be concluded that tannins in both GTS and BTS suppressed rumen fermentation, and tannins in GTS did more weakly than that in BTS. Ensiling temperature for both tea by-products did not affect the tannin’s activity in the rumen. PMID:25050034

Fermentation Characteristics, Tannin Contents and In vitro Ruminal Degradation of Green Tea and Black Tea By-products Ensiled at Different Temperatures.

PubMed

Kondo, Makoto; Hirano, Yoshiaki; Kita, Kazumi; Jayanegara, Anuraga; Yokota, Hiro-Omi

2014-07-01

Green and black tea by-products, obtained from ready-made tea industry, were ensiled at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. Green tea by-product silage (GTS) and black tea by-product silage (BTS) were opened at 5, 10, 45 days after ensiling. Fermentation characteristics and nutrient composition, including tannins, were monitored and the silages on day 45 were subjected to in vitro ruminal fermentation to assess anti-nutritive effects of tannins using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a tannin-binding agent. Results showed that the GTS and BTS silages were stable and fermented slightly when ensiled at 10°C. The GTS stored at 20°C and 30°C showed rapid pH decline and high acetic acid concentration. The BTS was fermented gradually with moderate change of pH and acid concentration. Acetic acid was the main acid product of fermentation in both GTS and BTS. The contents of total extractable phenolics and total extractable tannins in both silages were unaffected by storage temperatures, but condensed tannins in GTS were less when stored at high temperature. The GTS showed no PEG response on in vitro gas production, and revealed only a small increase by PEG on NH3-N concentration. Storage temperature of GTS did not affect the extent of PEG response to both gas production and NH3-N concentration. On the other hand, addition of PEG on BTS markedly increased both the gas production and NH3-N concentration at any ensiled temperature. It can be concluded that tannins in both GTS and BTS suppressed rumen fermentation, and tannins in GTS did more weakly than that in BTS. Ensiling temperature for both tea by-products did not affect the tannin's activity in the rumen.

The Clinical and Serological Effect of a Gluten-Free Diet in Border Terriers with Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome.

PubMed

Lowrie, M; Garden, O A; Hadjivassiliou, M; Harvey, R J; Sanders, D S; Powell, R; Garosi, L

2015-01-01

Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS) is a paroxysmal movement disorder of Border Terriers (BTs). These dogs might respond to a gluten-free diet. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and serological effect of a gluten-free diet in BTs with CECS. Six client-owned BTs with clinically confirmed CECS. Dogs were prospectively recruited that had at least a 6-month history of CECS based on the observed phenomenology (using video) and had exhibited at least 2 separate episodes on different days. Dogs were tested for anti-transglutaminase 2 (TG2 IgA) and anti-gliadin (AGA IgG) antibodies in the serum at presentation, and 3, 6, and 9 months after the introduction of a gluten-free diet. Duodenal biopsies were performed in 1 dog. Serum TG2 IgA titers were increased in 6/6 BTs (P = .006) and AGA IgG titers were increased in 5/6 BTs at presentation compared to those of controls (P = .018). After 9 months, there was clinical and serological improvement in all BTs with CECS strictly adhering to a gluten-free diet (5/5). One dog had persistently increased antibody titers. This dog scavenged horse manure. On the strict introduction of a gluten-free diet this dog also had an improved clinical and serological response. The diet-associated improvement was reversible in 2 dogs on completion of the study, both of which suffered a relapse of CECS on the re-introduction of gluten. Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome in BTs is a gluten-sensitive movement disorder triggered and perpetuated by gluten and thus responsive to a gluten-free diet. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Mechanisms for the anti-obesity actions of bofutsushosan in high-fat diet-fed obese mice.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Shinjiro; Kawasaki, Yuki; Takahashi, Tatsuo; Maeno, Hironori; Nomura, Masaaki

2017-01-01

The Kampo medicine bofutsushosan (BTS; Pulvis ledebouriellae compositae ; Fang Feng Tong Sheng San ) has been used as an anti-obesity treatment in overweight patients. In this study, we assessed the underlying physiological changes induced by BTS in obese mice maintained on a high-fat diet. Male ICR mice were fed a 60% kcal fat diet for 5 weeks starting at 4 weeks of age and then fed the same diet with administration of water (control) or aqueous BTS extract (1.0-2.0 g/kg) for 25 days. Body weight, wet weight of isolated white adipose tissue, and obesity-related serum parameters (glucose, lipids, leptin, adiponectin) were measured after treatment. The mRNA expression levels of leptin, adiponectin, and UCP1 in the adipose tissues were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction after the first 5 days of treatment. Bofutsushosan (1.5-2.0 g/kg) significantly decreased total body weight and total wet weight of white adipose tissue isolated from subcutaneous (retroperitoneal) and visceral regions (epididymal, mesenteric, and perirenal). At 2.0 g/kg, BTS also decreased total fat mass, visceral fat mass, and ratio of fat mass to body weight as measured by computed tomography, and significantly decreased epididymal adipocyte size after 14 and 25 days' treatment. Twenty-five days' treatment lowered serum glucose, insulin, leptin, and triglycerides, and reduced homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance. Alternatively, 2.0 g/kg BTS significantly increased mRNA levels of adiponectin, leptin, and UCP1 in interscapular brown adipose tissue but not epididymal white adipose tissue after 5 days' administration. In the early administration period, BTS increased mRNA expression levels of leptin, adiponectin, and UCP1 in brown adipose tissues. With longer administration, BTS improved insulin resistance, and subsequently reduced serum levels of leptin and triglyceride in parallel with decreased visceral white adipose tissue volume and adipocyte size.

A myosin II ATPase inhibitor reduces force production, glucose transport, and phosphorylation of AMPK and TBC1D1 in electrically stimulated rat skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Blair, David R; Funai, Katsuhiko; Schweitzer, George G; Cartee, Gregory D

2009-05-01

Contraction-stimulated glucose transport by skeletal muscle appears to be caused by the cumulative effects of multiple inputs [potentially including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Ca(2+) flux, and force production], making it challenging to isolate the roles of these putative regulatory factors. To distinguish the effects of force production from the direct consequences of Ca(2+) flux, the predominantly type II rat epitrochlearis muscle was incubated without (vehicle) or with N-benzyl-p-toluenesulfonamide (BTS), a highly specific myosin II ATPase inhibitor that prevents force production by electrically stimulated (ES) type II fibers without altering cytosolic Ca(2+). In ES muscles, BTS vs. vehicle had an 84% reduction in force production and a 57% decrement in contraction-stimulated 3-O-methylglucose transport (3MGT). BTS did not alter the ES increase in phosphorylation of CaMKII (indicative of cytosolic Ca(2+)) or the amount of glycogen depletion. ES caused significant reductions in ATP (48%) and phosphocreatine (67%) concentrations for vehicle-treated muscles. For BTS-treated muscles, ES did not reduce ATP and caused only a 42% decrease in phosphocreatine. There was an ES increase in phosphorylation of AMPK, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (an AMPK substrate), and TBC1D1 for vehicle-treated muscles but not for BTS-treated muscles. These results point toward an essential role for tension-related events, including AMPK activation, in the 57% contraction-stimulated increase in 3MGT that was inhibited by BTS and further suggest a possible role for TBC1D1 phosphorylation. Non-tension-related events (e.g., increased cytosolic Ca(2+) rather than increased AMPK and TBC1D1 phosphorylation) are implicated in the contraction-stimulated increase in 3MGT that persisted in the presence of BTS.

A strategic plan for transportation statistics (2000-2005)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-03-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is one of eleven operating administrations within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). BTS puts together data and information that others need to make decisions concerning transportation. We colle...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hao; Lunt, Barry M.; Gates, Richard J.

A novel write-once-read-many (WORM) optical stack on Mylar tape is proposed as a replacement for magnetic tape for archival data storage. This optical tape contains a cosputtered bismuth–tellurium–selenium (BTS) alloy as the write layer sandwiched between thin, protective films of reactively sputtered carbon. The composition and thickness of the BTS layer were confirmed by Rutherford Backscattering (RBS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The C/BTS/C stack on Mylar was written to/marked by 532 nm laser pulses. Under the same conditions, control Mylar films without the optical stack were unaffected. Marks, which showed craters/movement of the write material, were characterized bymore » optical microscopy and AFM. The threshold laser powers for making marks on C/BTS/C stacks with different thicknesses were explored. Higher quality marks were made with a 60× objective compared to a 40× objective in our marking apparatus. Finally, the laser writing process was simulated with COMSOL.« less

Bimetallic Treatment System (BTS) for Removal and Remediation of Polychlorinated Biphenyl from Marshall Space Flight Center's 4696 Fl Stand

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quinn, Jacqueline

2006-01-01

This Office of Space Flight (OSF)-funded project sought to demonstrate the application of a Bi-metallic Treatment System (BTS) to remove and degrade PCBs found on NASA facilities. The project initiated with the collection of PCB-containing materials from various MSFC and KSC structures, followed by laboratory evaluation of the BTS' PCB-removal efficiency, and concluded with a field demonstration at MSFC. The project evaluated the optimum formulation required to remove PCBs from aged and weathered paint with the goal of achieving final PCB concentrations less than 50 mg/Kg or 50 percent reduction where PCB starting levels were already below the 50 mg/Kg levels. Using lessons learned from this study, it was anticipated that the research team would be better able to make further recommendation on application strategies for future use of BTS for the treatment of PCB laden coatings on structures.

BinTree Seeking: A Novel Approach to Mine Both Bi-Sparse and Cohesive Modules in Protein Interaction Networks

PubMed Central

Shen, Hong-Bin

2011-01-01

Modern science of networks has brought significant advances to our understanding of complex systems biology. As a representative model of systems biology, Protein Interaction Networks (PINs) are characterized by a remarkable modular structures, reflecting functional associations between their components. Many methods were proposed to capture cohesive modules so that there is a higher density of edges within modules than those across them. Recent studies reveal that cohesively interacting modules of proteins is not a universal organizing principle in PINs, which has opened up new avenues for revisiting functional modules in PINs. In this paper, functional clusters in PINs are found to be able to form unorthodox structures defined as bi-sparse module. In contrast to the traditional cohesive module, the nodes in the bi-sparse module are sparsely connected internally and densely connected with other bi-sparse or cohesive modules. We present a novel protocol called the BinTree Seeking (BTS) for mining both bi-sparse and cohesive modules in PINs based on Edge Density of Module (EDM) and matrix theory. BTS detects modules by depicting links and nodes rather than nodes alone and its derivation procedure is totally performed on adjacency matrix of networks. The number of modules in a PIN can be automatically determined in the proposed BTS approach. BTS is tested on three real PINs and the results demonstrate that functional modules in PINs are not dominantly cohesive but can be sparse. BTS software and the supporting information are available at: www.csbio.sjtu.edu.cn/bioinf/BTS/. PMID:22140454

Boar sperm storage capacity of BTS and Androhep Plus: viability, motility, capacitation, and tyrosine phosphorylation.

PubMed

Dubé, Charlotte; Beaulieu, Martin; Reyes-Moreno, Carlos; Guillemette, Christine; Bailey, Janice L

2004-09-01

Androhep Plus, a long-term extender (up to 7 days) and Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS), a short-term extender (up to 3 days), are commonly used for liquid storage of porcine semen. To test the hypothesis that modifications in sperm viability, motility, chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence patterns, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation occur during semen storage in extenders, we compared these end points at different periods of storage in either Androhep Plus or BTS. Sperm from five boars were assessed daily over 12 days of storage (n = 5 ejaculates from different boars). Viability was not different (P < 0.05 between extenders, except on Day 2, when Androhep Plus maintained better viability. Differences in the percentage of motile (total) sperm due to extender were evident on Days 2, 4, 5, and 6, when Androhep Plus was superior to BTS (P < 0.05). The percentages of progressively motile sperm also differed, with Androhep Plus supporting higher rates on Days 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 (P < 0.05). The CTC fluorescence pattern distribution differed due to extender as early as Day 2; storage in Androhep Plus induced higher levels of pattern B sperm (P < 0.05) than storage in BTS. A tyrosine-phosphorylated protein of Mr 21,000 appeared after 10 days in sperm incubated in BTS, and was identified as a phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase. Therefore, modifications in viability, motility, CTC fluorescence patterns, and sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation were apparent during sperm storage in extenders; these may affect the fertilizing capacity of the semen.

Brief report: investigation into recalled human tissue for transplantation--United States, 2005-2006.

PubMed

2006-05-26

On September 29, 2005, a human tissue-processing company discovered inaccuracies in donor records forwarded from a tissue-recovery firm and notified the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An FDA investigation determined that the recovery firm, Biomedical Tissue Services, Ltd. (BTS) (Fort Lee, New Jersey), recovered tissues from human donors who might not have met donor eligibility requirements and who were not screened properly for certain infectious diseases. In October 2005, BTS and the five processors that had received the tissues, working with FDA, issued a recall for all tissues recovered by BTS. The continuing FDA investigation determined that information for some donors (e.g., cause, place, or time of death) was not consistent with death certificate data obtained from the states where the deaths occurred. The investigation also determined that BTS had failed to recover tissues in a manner that would prevent contamination or cross-contamination and failed to control environmental conditions adequately during tissue recovery. These failures were violations of the Current Good Tissue Practice Rules (effective May 25, 2005), which require manufacturers to recover, process, store, label, package, and distribute human cells, tissue, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) to prevent introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases. In January 2006, FDA ordered BTS to cease manufacturing and to retain all HCT/Ps.

The zebrafish buttonhead-like factor Bts1 is an early regulator of pax2.1 expression during mid-hindbrain development.

PubMed

Tallafuss, A; Wilm, T P; Crozatier, M; Pfeffer, P; Wassef, M; Bally-Cuif, L

2001-10-01

Little is known about the factors that control the specification of the mid-hindbrain domain (MHD) within the vertebrate embryonic neural plate. Because the head-trunk junction of the Drosophila embryo and the MHD have patterning similarities, we have searched for vertebrate genes related to the Drosophila head gap gene buttonhead (btd), which in the fly specifies the head-trunk junction. We report here the identification of a zebrafish gene which, like btd, encodes a zinc-finger transcriptional activator of the Sp-1 family (hence its name, bts1 for btd/Sp-related-1) and shows a restricted expression in the head. During zebrafish gastrulation, bts1 is transcribed in the posterior epiblast including the presumptive MHD, and precedes in this area the expression of other MHD markers such as her5, pax2.1 and wnt1. Ectopic expression of bts1 combined to knock-down experiments demonstrate that Bts1 is both necessary and sufficient for the induction of pax2.1 within the anterior neural plate, but is not involved in regulating her5, wnt1 or fgf8 expression. Our results confirm that early MHD development involves several genetic cascades that independently lead to the induction of MHD markers, and identify Bts1 as a crucial upstream component of the pathway selectively leading to pax2.1 induction. In addition, they imply that flies and vertebrates, to control the development of a boundary embryonic region, have probably co-opted a similar strategy: the restriction to this territory of the expression of a Btd/Sp-like factor.

Mutational profiles of Brenner tumors show distinctive features uncoupling urothelial carcinomas and ovarian carcinoma with transitional cell histology.

PubMed

Pfarr, Nicole; Darb-Esfahani, Silvia; Leichsenring, Jonas; Taube, Eliane; Boxberg, Melanie; Braicu, Ioana; Jesinghaus, Moritz; Penzel, Roland; Endris, Volker; Noske, Aurelia; Weichert, Wilko; Schirmacher, Peter; Denkert, Carsten; Stenzinger, Albrecht

2017-10-01

Brenner tumors (BT) are rare ovarian tumors encompassing benign, borderline, and malignant variants. While the histopathology of BTs and their clinical course is well described, little is known about the underlying genetic defects. We employed targeted next generation sequencing to analyze the mutational landscape in a cohort of 23 BT cases (17 benign, 2 borderline, and 4 malignant) and 3 ovarian carcinomas with transitional cell histology (TCC). Copy number variations (CNV) were validated by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative PCR-based copy number assays. Additionally, we analyzed the TERT promotor region by conventional Sanger sequencing. We identified 25 different point mutations in 23 of the analyzed genes in BTs and 10 mutations in 8 genes in TCCs. About 57% percent of mutations occurred in genes involved in cell cycle control, DNA repair, and epigenetic regulation processes. All TCC cases harbored TP53 mutations whereas all BTs were negative and none of the mutations observed in BTs were present in TCCs. CNV analysis revealed recurrent MDM2 amplifications in 3 out of 4 of the malignant BT cases with one case harboring a concomitant amplification of CCND1. No mutations were observed in the TERT promoter region in BTs and TCCs, which is mutated in about 50%-75% of urothelial carcinoma and in 16% of ovarian clear-cell carcinomas. In conclusion, our study highlights distinct genetic features of BTs, and detection of the triplet phenotype MDM2 amplification/TP53 wt/TERT wt may aid diagnosis of malignant BT in difficult cases. Moreover, selected genetic lesions may be clinically exploitable in a metastatic setting. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characterization of Paroxysmal Gluten‐Sensitive Dyskinesia in Border Terriers Using Serological Markers

PubMed Central

Garden, O.A.; Hadjivassiliou, M.; Sanders, D.S.; Powell, R.; Garosi, L.

2018-01-01

Background Paroxysmal gluten‐sensitive dyskinesia (PGSD) in border terriers (BTs) results from an immunologic response directed against transglutaminase (TG)2 and gliadin. Recent evidence suggests that PGSD is only one aspect of a range of possible manifestations of gluten sensitivity in the breed. Hypothesis/Objectives Gluten sensitivity in BTs is a heterogeneous disease process with a diverse clinical spectrum; to characterize the phenotype of PGSD using TG2 and gliadin autoantibodies as diagnostic markers. Animals One hundred twenty‐eight client‐owned BTs with various disorders. Methods Prospective study. BTs with paroxysmal episodes and a normal interictal examination were phenotyped using footage of a representative episode and assigned to 3 groups: idiopathic epilepsy (IE), paroxysmal dyskinesia (PD), or other. Owners of each dog completed a questionnaire to obtain information regarding clinical signs. Healthy BTs formed a control group. Serum antibodies against TG2 and AGA were measured in all dogs. Results One hundred twenty‐eight BTs were enrolled; 45 with PD, 28 with IE, 35 with other conditions, and 20 controls. Three overlapping phenotypes were identified; PD, signs suggestive of gastrointestinal disease, and dermatopathy. AGA‐IgG concentrations were increased in PD, compared with IE (P = 0.012), controls (P < 0.0001) and other (P = 0.018) conditions. Anti‐canine TG2‐IgA concentrations were increased in PD, compared with IE (P < 0.0001), controls (P < 0.0001) and other (P = 0.012) conditions. Serological markers are highly specific for PGSD but lack sensitivity. Conclusions PGSD appears part of a syndrome of gluten intolerance consisting of episodes of transient dyskinesia, signs suggestive of gastrointestinal disease, and dermatological hypersensitivity. PMID:29424456

Striatal output markers do not alter in response to circling behaviour in 6-OHDA lesioned rats produced by acute or chronic administration of the monoamine uptake inhibitor BTS 74 398.

PubMed

Lane, E L; Cheetham, S; Jenner, P

2008-01-01

The monoamine uptake inhibitor BTS 74 398 induces ipsilateral circling in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats without induction of abnormal motor behaviours associated with L-dopa administration. We examined whether this was reflected in the expression of peptide mRNA in the direct and indirect striatal output pathways.6-OHDA lesioning of the nigrostriatal pathway increased striatal expression of PPE-A mRNA and decreased levels of PPT mRNA with PPE-B mRNA expression remaining unchanged. Acute L-dopa administration normalised PPE-A mRNA and elevated PPT mRNA while PPE-B mRNA expression remained unchanged. Acute administration of BTS 74 398 did not alter striatal peptide mRNA levels. Following chronic treatment with L-dopa, PPE-A mRNA expression in the lesioned striatum continued to be normalised and PPT mRNA was increased compared to the intact side. PPE-B mRNA expression was also markedly increased relative to the non-lesioned striatum. Chronic BTS 74 398 administration did not alter mRNA expression in the 6-OHDA lesioned striatum although small increases in PPT mRNA expression in the intact and sham lesioned striatum were observed. The failure of BTS 74 398 to induce changes in striatal neuropeptide mRNA correlated with its failure to induce abnormal motor behaviours or behavioural sensitisation but does not explain how it produces a reversal of motor deficits. An action in another area of the brain appears likely and may explain the subsequent failure of BTS 74 398 and related compounds to exert anti-parkinsonian actions in man.

The effect of an insulin releasing agent, BTS 67582, on advanced glycation end product formation in vitro.

PubMed

Simpson, A E; Jones, R B

1999-01-01

BTS 67582 (1,1-dimethyl-2-(2-morpholinophenyl) guanidine fumarate) is an insulin-releasing agent currently in phase II clinical trials. Its effect on advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation was measured in the BSA/D-glucose and L-lysine/glucose-6-phosphate assay systems and Amadori product formation was measured in the BSA/D-glucose assay system, following a 3 week incubation period. In the BSA/D-glucose assay system, 200 mM BTS 67582 caused an approximate 70% inhibition in AGE formation (p<0.001), whilst at 20 mM and 2 mM it caused a marginal inhibition (21%, (p<0.001) and 8% respectively). 200 mM and 20 mM aminoguanidine-HCl inhibited AGE formation by 95% and 69% (p<0.001), respectively, whereas 2 mM aminoguanidine-HCl had no significant effect. Tolbutamide (200 microM) and glibenclamide (100 microM) had significant, but only marginal, effects on AGE formation (16% and 17%, respectively, p<0.01). In the BSA/D-glucose assay system 200 mM BTS 67582 and 200 mM aminoguanidine-HCl retarded Amadori product formation by 88% (p<0.001) and 60% (p<0.01), respectively. BTS 67582 at 20 mM and 2 mM was shown to inhibit Amadori product formation by 67% and 57%, respectively, (p<0.01). In the lysine and glucose-6-phosphate assay system 200 mM BTS 67582 and 200 mM aminoguanidine-HCl were shown to inhibit AGE formation by about 70% and 96% (p<0.001), respectively. Tolbutamide (200 microM) and glibenclamide (100 microM) had no significant effect on AGE formation.

AVHRR, MODIS, and VIIRS radiometric stability and consistency in SST bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, XingMing; Ignatov, Alexander

2013-06-01

Monitoring of IR Clear-Sky Radiances over Oceans for SST (MICROS; www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/sod/sst/micros) is NESDIS near-real time web-based radiance monitoring system. It analyzes Model (Community Radiative Transfer Model, CRTM) minus Observation (M-O) biases in brightness temperatures (BT) in three bands centered at 3.7 (IR37), 11 (IR11), and 12 µm (IR12), for several AVHRR (NOAA-16, -17, -18, -19, Metop-A, -B), VIIRS (Suomi National Polar Partnership, S-NPP), and MODIS (Terra, Aqua) sensors. Double-differences (DD) are employed to check BTs for radiometric stability and consistency. All sensors are stable, with the exception of two AVHRRs, onboard NOAA-16 and to a lesser extent NOAA-18, and generally consistent. VIIRS onboard S-NPP, launched in October 2011, is well in-family, especially after its calibration was fine-tuned on 7 March 2012. MODIS M-O biases were initially out-of-family by up to -0.6 K, due to incorrect CRTM transmittance coefficients. Following MICROS feedback, CRTM Team updated coefficients and brought MODIS back in-family. Terra and Aqua BTs are very consistent in IR11 and IR12 but show cross-platform bias of 0.3 K in IR37, likely attributed to MODIS characterization. Work with MODIS Characterization Support Team is underway to resolve this. Initial analyses of AVHRR onboard Metop-B launched in September 2012 suggest that its BTs are offset from Metop-A by up to ˜0.3 K. Overall, MICROS DDs are well suited to evaluate the sensors stability, but dedicated effort is needed to ensure consistent radiative transfer modeling (RTM) calculations for various sensors before DDs can be used in Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System (GSICS) quantitative applications.

British Thoracic Society quality standards for home oxygen use in adults

PubMed Central

Suntharalingam, Jay; Wilkinson, Tom; Annandale, Joseph; Davey, Claire; Fielding, Rhea; Freeman, Daryl; Gibbons, Michael; Hardinge, Maxine; Hippolyte, Sabrine; Knowles, Vikki; Lee, Cassandra; MacNee, William; Pollington, Jacqueline; Vora, Vandana; Watts, Trefor; Wijesinghe, Meme

2017-01-01

Introduction The purpose of the quality standards document is to provide healthcare professionals, commissioners, service providers and patients with a guide to standards of care that should be met for home oxygen provision in the UK, together with measurable markers of good practice. Quality statements are based on the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guideline for Home Oxygen Use in Adults. Methods Development of BTS Quality Standards follows the BTS process of quality standard production based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence process manual for the development of quality standards. Results 10 quality statements have been developed, each describing a key marker of high-quality, cost-effective care for home oxygen use, and each statement is supported by quality measures that aim to improve the structure, process and outcomes of healthcare. Discussion BTS Quality Standards for home oxygen use in adults form a key part of the range of supporting materials that the society produces to assist in the dissemination and implementation of a guideline’s recommendations. PMID:29018527

[Sixteen Cases of Colon Stenting as a Bridge to Surgery(BTS)for Obstructive Colorectal Cancer].

PubMed

Otsuka, Ryo; Saito, Shuji; Hirayama, Ryouichi; Miura, Yasuaki; Sasaki, Kazunori; Miyajima, Ayako; Kuwamoto, Nobutsuna; Kataoka, Ryoko; Shindo, Yukito; Fujita, Rikiya

2017-11-01

Colonic stent insertion is widely used as a bridge to surgery(BTS)for obstructive colorectal cancer. Stenting can shorten hospitalization and decrease complication and colostomy rates in comparison with emergency surgery. We investigated patients who underwent colonic stent insertion for BTS in our hospital. Sixteen patients(8 men, 8 women) with a colorectal obstruction score of 0 or 1 who underwent colonic stent insertion as a BTS between April 2015 and April 2017 period were investigated. Mean patient age was 68.2(45-94)years. Technical success was obtained in all patients, and clinical success in 14(87%). Total colonoscopy was possible via stent in 10 patients. Nine patients were temporarily discharged from the hospital, and median time to operation was 18(2-43)days. Laparoscopic resection was performed in 14 patients, and anastomotic leakage was a postoperative complication in 1 patient. Colostomy was performed in only 1 patient with anastomotic leakage. Good results were obtained with careful patient selection and safe colonic stent insertion.

1995 American travel survey : profile

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-10-01

This is US summary data from the American Travel Survey. Complete data is available from the Bureau and from the BTS website at http://www.transtats.bts.gov/Tables.asp?DB_ID=505&DB_Name=American%20Travel%20Survey%20%28ATS%29%201995&DB_Short_Name=ATS ...

EMG and tibial shock upon the first attempt at barefoot running.

PubMed

Olin, Evan D; Gutierrez, Gregory M

2013-04-01

As a potential means to decrease their risk of injury, many runners are transitioning into barefoot running. Habitually shod runners tend to heel-strike (SHS), landing on their heel first, while barefoot runners tend to mid-foot or toe-strike (BTS), landing flat-footed or on the ball of their foot before bringing down the rest of the foot including the heel. This study compared muscle activity, tibial shock, and knee flexion angle in subjects between shod and barefoot conditions. Eighteen habitually SHS recreational runners ran for 3 separate 7-minute trials, including SHS, barefoot heel-strike (BHS), and BTS conditions. EMG, tibial shock, and knee flexion angle were monitored using bipolar surface electrodes, an accelerometer, and an electrogoniometer, respectively. A one-way MANOVA for repeated measures was conducted and several significant changes were noted between SHS and BTS, including significant increases in average EMG of the medial gastrocnemius (p=.05), average and peak tibial shock (p<.01), and the minimum knee flexion angle (p<.01). Based on our data, the initial change in mechanics may have detrimental effects on the runner. While it has been argued that BTS running may ultimately be less injurious, these data indicate that habitually SHS runners who choose to transition into a BTS technique must undertake the process cautiously. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Utilization Management in the Blood Transfusion Service

PubMed Central

Peña, Jeremy Ryan Andrew; Dzik, Walter “Sunny”

2015-01-01

The scope of activity of the Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) makes it unique among the clinical laboratories. The combination of therapeutic and diagnostic roles necessitates a multi-faceted approach to utilization management in the BTS. We present our experience in utilization management in large academic medical center. PMID:24080431

14 CFR 298.65 - Requests for extensions of time within which to file reports or for waivers from reporting...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... circumstances prevent the filing of BTS Form 298-C on or before the due date, a written request for an extension may be submitted. Except in cases of emergency, the request must be delivered to the BTS's Office of...

77 FR 18305 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-27

... Confirmed Space--BTS Form 251 AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of... Title: Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed Space. Form No.: BTS Form 251. Type of Review... operational difficulties. Because the rate of denied boarding is released quarterly, travelers and travel...

75 FR 21717 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-26

... Confirmed Space--BTS Form 251 AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of.... Title: Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed Space. Form No: BTS Form 251. Type of Review: Extension of..., travelers and travel agents can select carriers with lower incidences of bumping passengers. This...

78 FR 60997 - Agency Information Collection: Activity Under OMB Review: Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-02

... Confirmed Space--BTS Form 251 AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of... Confirmed Space. Form No.: BTS Form 251. Type of Review: Re-instatement of an expired collection... boarding is released quarterly, travelers and travel agents can select carriers with lower incidences of...

77 FR 16116 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Report of Extension of Credit to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-19

... Transportation Statistics [Docket: RITA 2008-0002 BTS Paperwork Reduction Notice] Agency Information Collection... of Transportation Statistics (BTS), DOT. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics invites the general public...

Relationship between Community Collectivization and Financial Vulnerability of Female Sex Workers in Southern India.

PubMed

Patel, Sangram Kishor; Prabhakar, Parimi; Jain, Anrudh Kumar; Saggurti, Niranjan; Adhikary, Rajatashuvra

2016-01-01

Studies exploring the linkages between financial vulnerabilities and community collectivization of female sex workers (FSWs) are scarce in India despite having potential policy implications. To fill this gap in the literature, this study attempts to understand the financial vulnerabilities among FSWs and assess the relationship between community collectivization and financial vulnerabilities in southern India. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional, behavioral tracking survey (BTS)-2014, conducted among FSWs (N = 2400) in Andhra Pradesh, a southern state of India under the Avahan-India AIDS initiative program. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated through multivariate logistic regression, to assess the independent relationships of the degree of community collectivization indicators with financial vulnerability indicators, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Most FSWs (87%) reported having either one or more financial vulnerability and nearly one-fifth had a high financial vulnerability. The risk of facing financial vulnerability was significantly lower among FSWs with a high degree of perceived collective efficacy (15% vs 31%; AOR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3-0.5) and collective agency (4% vs 21%; AOR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3) as compared to their respective counterparts, after controlling for their individual socio-demographic characteristics. FSWs with a high degree of collective efficacy are also less likely to report different components of financial vulnerability (e.g. income, saving, expenditure, and debt). This study finding suggests that community-led interventions such as improving collectivization are promising strategies to address financial vulnerabilities and a path to a sustainable reduction of HIV risk. This study calls for further evidence-based research and measurement of the effects of community-led approaches in addressing the financial vulnerabilities of the key population at risk for HIV.

The Relationship between Beginning Teachers' Stress Causes, Stress Responses, Teaching Behaviour and Attrition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harmsen, Ruth; Helms-Lorenz, Michelle; Maulana, Ridwan; van Veen, Klaas

2018-01-01

In this study, the relationships between beginning teachers' perceived stress causes, stress responses, observed teaching behaviour and attrition is investigated employing structural equation modelling (SEM). A total of 143 BTs were surveyed using the Questionnaire on the Experience and Evaluation of Work-BTs (QEEW-BT). Teaching behaviour was…

77 FR 31432 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Report of Extension of Credit to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-25

... AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS... Gorham, Office of Airline Information, RTS-42, Room E34, RITA, BTS, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE... Management and Budget, 715-17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention RITA Desk Officer. SUPPLEMENTARY...

78 FR 43272 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-19

... Confirmed Space--BTS Form 251 AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of...: Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed Space. Form No.: BTS Form 251. Type of Review: Reinstatement of an.... Because the rate of denied boarding is released quarterly, travelers and travel agents can select carriers...

Does body shadow improve the efficacy of virtual reality-based training with BTS NIRVANA?: A pilot study.

PubMed

Russo, Margherita; De Luca, Rosaria; Naro, Antonino; Sciarrone, Francesca; Aragona, Bianca; Silvestri, Giuseppe; Manuli, Alfredo; Bramanti, Alessia; Casella, Carmela; Bramanti, Placido; Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

2017-09-01

Aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the presence of body shadows during virtual reality (VR) training with BTS NIRVANA (BTs-N) may lead to a better functional recovery. We enrolled 20 poststroke rehabilitation inpatients, who underwent a neurocognitive-rehabilitative training consisting of 24 sessions (3 times a week for 8 weeks) of BTs-N. All the patients were randomized into 2 groups: semi-immersive virtual training with (S-IVTS group) or without (S-IVT group) body shadows. Each participant was evaluated before (T0) and immediately (T1) after the end of the training (Trial Registration Number: NCT03095560). The S-IVTS group showed a greater improvement in visuo-constructive skills and sustained attention, as compared with the S-IVT group. The other measures showed nonsignificant within-group and between-group differences. Our results showed that body shadow may represent a high-priority class of stimuli that act by "pushing" attention toward the body itself. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of body shadow in promoting the internal representation construction and thus self-recognition.

Studies on the cardiac actions of flosequinan in vitro.

PubMed Central

Gristwood, R. W.; Beleta, J.; Bou, J.; Cardelús, I.; Fernández, A. G.; Llenas, J.; Berga, P.

1992-01-01

1. We have investigated the in vitro cardiac actions of flosequinan and of its major metabolite in man, BTS 53554. 2. Positive inotropic activity was seen with flosequinan in guinea-pig isolated ventricles, the threshold concentration for effect being less than 1 x 10(-5) M. BTS 53554 was approximately half as potent as the parent compound. 3. In guinea-pig working whole hearts flosequinan increased left ventricular dp/dtmax, indicating a positive inotropic action. This effect was accompanied by increases in heart rate, cardiac output and stroke volume. 4. The virtual complete inhibition of inotropic responses to flosequinan and BTS 53554 by carbachol suggests that these responses are adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-mediated. 5. Flosequinan was shown to increase calcium inward current in guinea-pig ventricle, an action consistent with a cyclic AMP involvement in the response. 6. The inotropic activity of flosequinan was not potentiated by the selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) III inhibitor SK&F 94120, a result which indicates that flosequinan does not increase cyclic AMP concentrations via stimulation of adenylate cyclase. 7. Flosequinan inotropic responses were potentiated by rolipram, a selective PDE IV inhibitor, a result consistent with flosequinan being itself a PDE III inhibitor. 8. Biochemical studies with purified enzymes confirmed that flosequinan and BTS 53554 are relatively selective inhibitors of PDE III. 9. A comparison of pharmacological and biochemical data for both flosequinan and BTS 53554 indicates that their PDE III inhibitory potency is sufficient to account for their inotropic activity. PMID:1324061

Temporary placement of metallic stent could lead to long-term benefits for benign tracheobronchial stenosis.

PubMed

Zhou, Guo-Wu; Huang, Hai-Dong; Sun, Qin-Ying; Xiong, Ye; Li, Qiang; Dong, Yu-Chao; Zhang, Wei

2015-12-01

The permanent placement of metallic stent for benign tracheobronchial stenosis (BTS) was controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the long-term outcomes of temporary placement of metallic stent for BTS. The BTS patients who received temporary placement of retrievable self-expanded metallic stents were included between 2008 and 2011. Pre-stenting and follow-up respiratory status was analyzed. And symptom recurrence-free survival (SRFS) was assessed. A total of 49 stents were successfully temporarily placed in 40 consecutive BTS patients whose etiologies included endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) (n=22), post-tracheostomy stenosis (n=10), post-intubation stenosis (n=6) and post radiotherapy stricture (n=2). All stents were removed integrally after a median 18 days' stenting period, without major complications. During the median 27 months follow-up period after stent removal, a total of 22 patients were free of recurrence. And the overall 3-year SRFS rate was 52.0%. According to the etiology, the 3-year SRFS rates were 59.1% and 42.9% in the patients with EBTB and non-EBTB, respectively. Compared with pre-stenting, the follow-up internal diameter of stricture, Hugh-Jones scale, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) were significantly improved. Multivariate analysis suggested that granulation tissue growth and tracheobronchial malacia might be independent factors of poor prognosis. Temporary placement of retrievable metallic stent may be an alternative treatment for BTS patients.

Effects of in vitro storage time and semen-extender on membrane quality of boar sperm assessed by flow cytometry.

PubMed

Waterhouse, K E; De Angelis, P M; Haugan, T; Paulenz, H; Hofmo, P O; Farstad, W

2004-12-01

The Norwegian AI company Norsvin has used the short-term semen-extender BTS to extend and store boar semen since the late 1980s. Fertility results have been consistent when extended semen has been used for AI within 3 days after collection, however, from a production and economic point of view it is preferable that semen stored for up to 5 days can be used. The aim of this study was to compare membrane quality of sperm stored in BTS for 3 days with sperm stored in the long-term semen-extenders Androstar, Mulberry III and X-cell for 5 days. Using a split-sample design, plasma membrane- and acrosome-integrity were assessed flow cytometrically by use of Yo-Pro-1 and PNA-FITC, and fluidity and phospholipid asymmetry of the membrane were assessed by use of MC540 and Annexin V-FITC. Due to observed sperm fragmentation in Androstar after Day 1, the data for Androstar were excluded from the analyses. After 5 days of storage, the membrane quality of X-cell-stored sperm was not statistically different from that of sperm stored in BTS for 3 days, while membrane quality of sperm stored in Mulberry III was statistically better on Day 5 compared to BTS on Day 3. In conclusion, Mulberry III and X-cell preserve sperm quality, as well as that of BTS on Day 3, for up to 5 days after collection.

Use of Bacillus thuringiensis supernatant from a fermentation process to improve bioremediation of chlorpyrifos in contaminated soils.

PubMed

Aceves-Diez, Angel E; Estrada-Castañeda, Kelly J; Castañeda-Sandoval, Laura M

2015-07-01

The aim of this research was to investigate the potential of a nutrient-rich organic waste, namely the cell-free supernatant of Bacillus thuringiensis (BtS) gathered from fermentation, as a biostimulating agent to improve and sustain microbial populations and their enzymatic activities, thereby assisting in the bioremediation of chlorpyrifos-contaminated soil at a high dose (70 mg kg(-1)). Experiments were performed for up to 80 d. Chlorpyrifos degradation and its major metabolic product, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); total microbial populations were enumerated by direct counts in specific medium; and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis was measured as an index of soil microbial activity. Throughout the experiment, there was higher chlorpyrifos degradation in soil supplemented with BtS (83.1%) as compared to non-supplemented soil. TCP formation and degradation occurred in all soils, but the greatest degradation (30.34%) was observed in soil supplemented with BtS. The total microbial populations were significantly improved by supplementation with BtS. The application of chlorpyrifos to soil inhibited the enzymatic activity; however, this negative effect was counteracted by BtS, inducing an increase of approximately 16% in FDA hydrolysis. These results demonstrate the potential of B. thuringiensis supernatant as a suitable biostimulation agent for enhancing chlorpyrifos and TCP biodegradation in chlorpyrifos-contaminated soils. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using the morphology and magnetic fields of tailed radio galaxies as environmental probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston-Hollitt, M.; Dehghan, S.; Pratley, L.

2015-03-01

Bent-tailed (BT) radio sources have long been known to trace over densities in the Universe up to z ~ 1 and there is increasing evidence this association persists out to redshifts of 2. The morphology of the jets in BT galaxies is primarily a function of the environment that they have resided in and so BTs provide invaluable clues as to their local conditions. Thus, not only can samples of BT galaxies be used as signposts of large-scale structure, but are also valuable for obtaining a statistical measurement of properties of the intra-cluster medium including the presence of cluster accretion shocks & winds, and as historical anemometers, preserving the dynamical history of their surroundings in their jets. We discuss the use of BTs to unveil large-scale structure and provide an example in which a BT was used to unlock the dynamical history of its host cluster. In addition to their use as density and dynamical indicators, BTs are useful probes of the magnetic field on their environment on scales which are inaccessible to other methods. Here we discuss a novel way in which a particular sub-class of BTs, the so-called `corkscrew' galaxies might further elucidate the coherence lengths of the magnetic fields in their vicinity. Given that BTs are estimated to make up a large population in next generation surveys we posit that the use of jets in this way could provide a unique source of environmental information for clusters and groups up to z = 2.

Kinetics modeling and reaction mechanism of ferrate(VI) oxidation of benzotriazoles.

PubMed

Yang, Bin; Ying, Guang-Guo; Zhang, Li-Juan; Zhou, Li-Jun; Liu, Shan; Fang, Yi-Xiang

2011-03-01

Benzotriazoles (BTs) are high production volume chemicals with broad application in various industrial processes and in households, and have been found to be omnipresent in aquatic environments. We investigated oxidation of five benzotriazoles (BT: 1H-benzotriazole; 5MBT: 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole; DMBT: 5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzotriazole hydrate; 5CBT: 5-chloro-1H-benzotriazole; HBT: 1-hydroxybenzotriazole) by aqueous ferrate (Fe(VI)) to determine reaction kinetics as a function of pH (6.0-10.0), and interpreted the reaction mechanism of Fe(VI) with BTs by using a linear free-energy relationship. The pK(a) values of BT and DMBT were also determined using UV-Visible spectroscopic method in order to calculate the species-specific rate constants, and they were 8.37 ± 0.0 and 8.98 ± 0.08 respectively. Each of BTs reacted moderately with Fe(VI) with the k(app) ranged from 7.2 to 103.8 M(-1)s(-1) at pH 7.0 and 24 ± 1 °C. When the molar ratio of Fe(VI) and BTs increased up to 30:1, the removal rate of BTs reached about >95% in buffered milli-Q water or secondary wastewater effluent. The electrophilic oxidation mechanism of the above reaction was illustrated by using a linear free-energy relationship between pH-dependence of species-specific rate constants and substituent effects (σ(p)). Fe(VI) reacts initially with BTs by electrophilic attack at the 1,2,3-triazole moiety of BT, 5MBT, DMBT and 5CBT, and at the N-OH bond of HBT. Moreover, for BT, 5MBT, DMBT and 5CBT, the reactions with the species HFeO(4)(-) predominantly controled the reaction rates. For HBT, the species H(2)FeO(4) with dissociated HBT played a major role in the reaction. The results showed that Fe(VI) has the ability to degrade benzotriazoles in water. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The bovine endometrial epithelial cells promote the differentiation of trophoblast stem-like cells to binucleate trophoblast cells.

PubMed

Li, Xiawei; Li, Zhiying; Hou, Dongxia; Zhao, Yuhang; Wang, Chen; Li, Xueling

2016-12-01

Endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) cultured in vitro are valuable tools for investigating embryo implantation and trophoblast differentiation. In this study, we have established the bovine EECs and trophoblast stem-like (TS) coculture system, and used it to investigate the binucleate cell formation of ungulates. The EECs was derived from the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum by using collagenase I and deoxyribonuclease I, which exhibited typical epithelial morphology and were expressing bovine uterine epithelial marker such as IFNAR1, IFNAR2, Erα, PGR, ESR1 and KRT18. The cells immunostained positively by epithelial and trophectoderm marker cytokeratin 18 (KRT18) and stromal marker vimentin antibodies, and the KRT18 positive cells reached 99 %. The EECs can be cultured for up to 20 passages in vitro with no significant morphology changes and uterine epithelial marker gene expression alteration. The bTS cells were established in a dual inhibitor system and exhibited typical trophoblast stem cell characteristics. When bTS cells were cultured with EECs, the bTS cells adhered to the EECs as adhering to feeder cells. Binucleate cells began appearing on day 4 of coculture and reached approximately 18.47 % of the differentiated cells. Quantitative real-time PCR or immunofluorescence analyses were performed on bTS cells cocultured at day 6 and day 12. The results showed that the expression level of KRT18 was down-regulated while the expression level of trophoblast differentiation marker MASH2, HAND1, GCM1 and CDX2 was up-regulated in bTS cells. In conclusion, bovine EECs can be obtained from the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum via treatment with collagenase I and deoxyribonuclease I, and the EECs-bTS cells coculture system presents an ideal tool for studying the differentiation of bTS cells to trophoblast binucleate cells.

14 CFR 291.44 - BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION PROCEEDINGS) ECONOMIC REGULATIONS CARGO OPERATIONS IN INTERSTATE AIR TRANSPORTATION Reporting Rules § 291.44 BTS Schedule P-12(a), Fuel Consumption by Type of Service and Entity. (a...) Each air carrier shall maintain records for each station showing the computation of fuel inventories...

Permanent magnet DC motor control by using arduino and motor drive module BTS7960

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syukriyadin, S.; Syahrizal, S.; Mansur, G.; Ramadhan, H. P.

2018-05-01

This study proposes a control system for permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motor. PMDC drive control system has two critical parameters: control and monitoring. Control system includes rotation speed control and direction of rotation of motor using motor drive module BTS7960. The PWM signal has a fixed frequency of waves with varying duty cycles (between 0% and 100%), so the motor rotation can be regulated gradually using a potentiometer already programmed on the Arduino Uno board. The motor rotation direction setting uses the H-bridge circuit method using a 3-way switch to set the direction of forward-reverse rotation of the motor. The monitoring system includes measurements of rotational speed, current, and voltage. Motor rotation speed can be adjusted from the armature voltage settings through the duty cycle PWM setting so that the motor speed can be increased or decreased by the desired duty cycle. From the unload PMDC motor test results it has also been shown that the torque of the motor is relatively constant when there is a change in speed from low rpm to high rpm or vice versa.

Cognitive function in children with brain tumors in the first year after diagnosis compared to healthy matched controls.

PubMed

Shortman, Robert I; Lowis, Stephen P; Penn, Anthony; McCarter, Renee J; Hunt, Linda P; Brown, Caroline C; Stevens, Michael C G; Curran, Andrew L; Sharples, Peta M

2014-03-01

Improved survival of children with brain tumors (BTs) has increased focus on ameliorating morbidity. To reduce the risk of progressive cognitive decline, remedial strategies need to be instituted early, based upon accurate appraisal of need, yet few studies have investigated cognition in BT children early post-diagnosis. The study aims were to investigate cognition in children with primary BTs 1, 6, and 12 months post-diagnosis compared with healthy children, exploring the impact of disease and treatment variables. Forty-eight children aged 2-16 years with primary BTs, referred to a Regional Neurosurgical Unit over the 2-year study period were eligible for enrollment. The "best friends" model was used to recruit matched controls. Cognition was assessed using age-appropriate Wechsler Intelligence scales; Children's Memory Scale; Test of Everyday Attention for Children, and Wechsler Quicktest. Patients with BTs had significantly reduced performance compared to controls early post-diagnosis in tests of Performance IQ, processing speed, verbal and visual memory, and selective attention. Improved performance over 12 months was seen in patients with BTs although also, for some measures, in controls. Significant deficits in cognitive performance were seen one year post-diagnosis for Verbal IQ; processing speed, visual and verbal immediate memory, and selective attention. Infratentorial site, high tumor grade, hydrocephalus, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were associated with poorer functioning. Early cognitive impairment is present in BT children, sometimes prior to radiotherapy/chemotherapy treatment, and is associated with hydrocephalus, high tumor grade and infratentorial site. Future studies should investigate the role of early rehabilitation in improving cognition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Physiotherapy in asthma--seeking consensus.

PubMed

Nowobilski, Roman; Plaszewski, Maciej; Wloch, Tomasz; Mika, Piotr; Gajewski, Piotr; Brożek, Jan L

2013-08-01

The evidence base for or against physiotherapy interventions in asthmatic adults remains ambiguous, and there are discrepancies between different clinical practice guidelines. We evaluated the level of agreement between the recommendations about physiotherapy for adults with asthma in two major clinical practice guidelines: the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA 2011) and the British Thoracic Society and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care (BTS/ACPRC 2009). We used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument to assess the methodological rigor of the guideline development, the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale to assess the methodological quality of systematic reviews and clinical trials included in the analyzed documents. Additionally, we compared the reference lists of the analyzed sections to establish the overlap in included primary and secondary studies. We observed no agreement between the two guidelines in the choice of source research articles. Only two studies out of 18 used in BTS guidelines were used in the GINA. The reason why GINA developers did not use the body of evidence included in BTS is that it is not clear. Three independent investigators indicated higher scores in all domains of the AGREE II in the BTS/ACPRC document in comparison with the GINA guidelines. The significant differences in the content and in the development processes of the examined sections of the two guidelines suggest the need for more frequent and careful updating or directing the readers of the GINA to the BTS/ACPRC, a guideline addressing specifically and more comprehensively physiotherapy interventions in asthma.

Fertility results of artificial inseminations performed with liquid boar semen stored in X-cell vs BTS extender.

PubMed

Haugan, T; Gaustad, A H; Reksen, O; Gröhn, Y T; Hofmo, P O

2007-02-01

The objective of the present field study was to compare the fertility results for boar semen diluted in X-cell stored up to 4-5 days before artificial insemination (AI) with semen diluted in Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) used for AI following 2-3 days of storage (where the first day being the collection day). A total number of 2601 double inseminations in Norwegian herds were included in this two-trial study. All the boars used in the study were mature cross-bred Norwegian Landrace x Duroc (LD), which were routinely used for AI in Norway. The inseminated gilts and sows were Norwegian Landrace x Yorkshire (LY). The AI doses contained 2.5 billion spermatozoa, and consisted of a mixture of semen from three, occasionally four, boars (i.e. heterospermic semen). Fertility was measured in terms of the likelihood of farrowing and subsequent litter size. The fertility of the semen in both of the extenders was satisfactory and no significant differences were found either in semen stored 4-5 days in X-cell compared with 2-3 days in BTS or in semen stored 2-3 days in X-cell compared with 2-3 days in BTS. The storage capability findings for the long-term extender X-cell could significantly simplify the practical issues of semen production and the distribution of AI doses containing 2.5 billion spermatozoa. However, in pig production systems where all semen is used within 2-3 days, the short-term extender BTS is as good as the more expensive extender X-cell.

Influencing the Psychological Well-Being of Beginning Teachers across Three Years of Teaching: Self-Efficacy, Stress Causes, Job Tension and Job Discontent

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Helms-Lorenz, Michelle; Maulana, Ridwan

2016-01-01

In this study, the path of influence of support programmes for beginning teachers (BTs) is examined. Longitudinal relationships between self-efficacy and stress causes experienced by BTs and their job tension and discontent are investigated. Differential effects are explored in the relationships between the perceived psychological variables for…

An Operational Summary of the BERMEX81-V3 Experiment: 17-19 September 1981.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-07-01

1979 and 1980) were to utilize the Versatile Experimental Kevlar Array (VEKA-3B), a two-hydrophone, vertically moored system with an RF telemetry link to...the nose and tail sections of a MK35 tor- pedo . Operational parameters of the BTS 9029 are presented in Table C-3. The BTS 9029 system was fully

Brenner tumor of the ovary: a comparative immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

PubMed

Ordóñez, N G; Mackay, B

2000-01-01

Because of a fancied light microscopic resemblance to transitional epithelium (urothelium), Brenner tumor (BT) of the ovary is commonly described as a transitional cell neoplasm. An inability to detect a great deal of similarity between the two at the ultrastructural level prompted this electron microscopic study comparing 3 benign Brenner tumors with normal urothelium and 6 transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) of varying histologic grade from the urinary bladder. To complement the ultrastructural observations, the immunophenotype of 8 benign BTs was evaluated together with that of 12 TCCs of the bladder using antibodies to thrombomodulin (TM), cytokeratin 20, cytokeratin 7, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), all of which have been shown to react with TCCs of urothelial origin. At the ultrastructural level, there was only limited evidence of a morphologic likeness between the epithelial cells of BTs and those of the benign or neoplastic urothelium. The immunophenotype of the two tumors also differed significantly in that there was no reactivity for TM or cytokeratin 20 in the BTs, while these markers were expressed in the TCCs. Both BTs and TCCs were positive for cytokeratin 7 and may express CEA.

Does body shadow improve the efficacy of virtual reality-based training with BTS NIRVANA?

PubMed Central

Russo, Margherita; De Luca, Rosaria; Naro, Antonino; Sciarrone, Francesca; Aragona, Bianca; Silvestri, Giuseppe; Manuli, Alfredo; Bramanti, Alessia; Casella, Carmela; Bramanti, Placido; Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the presence of body shadows during virtual reality (VR) training with BTS NIRVANA (BTs-N) may lead to a better functional recovery. Methods: We enrolled 20 poststroke rehabilitation inpatients, who underwent a neurocognitive-rehabilitative training consisting of 24 sessions (3 times a week for 8 weeks) of BTs-N. All the patients were randomized into 2 groups: semi-immersive virtual training with (S-IVTS group) or without (S-IVT group) body shadows. Each participant was evaluated before (T0) and immediately (T1) after the end of the training (Trial Registration Number: NCT03095560). Results: The S-IVTS group showed a greater improvement in visuo-constructive skills and sustained attention, as compared with the S-IVT group. The other measures showed nonsignificant within-group and between-group differences. Conclusion: Our results showed that body shadow may represent a high-priority class of stimuli that act by “pushing” attention toward the body itself. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of body shadow in promoting the internal representation construction and thus self-recognition. PMID:28930852

Method for Evaluation of Outage Probability on Random Access Channel in Mobile Communication Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kollár, Martin

2012-05-01

In order to access the cell in all mobile communication technologies a so called random-access procedure is used. For example in GSM this is represented by sending the CHANNEL REQUEST message from Mobile Station (MS) to Base Transceiver Station (BTS) which is consequently forwarded as an CHANNEL REQUIRED message to the Base Station Controller (BSC). If the BTS decodes some noise on the Random Access Channel (RACH) as random access by mistake (so- called ‘phantom RACH') then it is a question of pure coincidence which èstablishment cause’ the BTS thinks to have recognized. A typical invalid channel access request or phantom RACH is characterized by an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT procedure (assignment of an SDCCH or TCH) which is not followed by sending an ESTABLISH INDICATION from MS to BTS. In this paper a mathematical model for evaluation of the Power RACH Busy Threshold (RACHBT) in order to guaranty in advance determined outage probability on RACH is described and discussed as well. It focuses on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) however the obtained results can be generalized on remaining mobile technologies (ie WCDMA and LTE).

Literature Review of the Effects of Natural Light on Building Occupants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Edwards, L.; Torcellini, P.

This paper presents summary findings from a literature search of the term ''daylighting''-using natural light in a building to offset or replace electric lighting. According to the Department of Energy's Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs 2000 BTS Core Databook, in 1998, commercial buildings consumed 32% of the total electricity in the United States, of which more than one-third went to lighting. Using daylighting systems and turning off the lights will help reduce this energy load. Electrical lighting adds to both the electrical and cooling loads in a commercial building. Utility costs can be decreased when daylighting ismore » properly designed to replace electrical lighting. Along with the importance of energy savings, studies have demonstrated the non-energy-related benefits of daylighting. We compiled the data from books, periodicals, Internet articles, and interviews. The books, periodicals, and Internet articles provided the background information used to identify the main subjects of the paper. The interviews provided us with details related to specific buildings and companies that have integrated daylighting into their buildings.« less

Temperature management during semen processing: Impact on boar sperm quality under laboratory and field conditions.

PubMed

Schulze, M; Henning, H; Rüdiger, K; Wallner, U; Waberski, D

2013-12-01

Freshly collected boar spermatozoa are sensitive to a fast reduction in temperature because of lipid phase transition and phase separation processes. Temperature management during semen processing may determine the quality of stored samples. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of isothermic and hypothermic semen processing protocols on boar sperm quality under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory study, ejaculates (n = 12) were first diluted (1:1) with Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) at 32 °C, then processed either with isothermic (32 °C) or hypothermic (21 °C) BTS, stored at 17 °C, and assessed on days 1, 3, and 6. Temperature curves showed that 150 minutes after the first dilution, semen doses of both groups reached the same temperature. Two-step hypothermic processing resulted in lower sperm motility on days 1 and 6 (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, hypothermally processed samples contained less membrane intact sperm on days 3 and 6 (P < 0.05). Using AndroStar Plus extender instead of BTS reduced the negative effect of hypothermic processing. In the field study, 15 semen samples from each of 23 European artificial insemination studs were evaluated as part of an external quality control program. Semen quality based on motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and a thermoresistance test was higher for stations using one-step isothermic dilutions (n = 7) compared with artificial insemination centers using two-step hypothermic protocols (n = 16). Both studies show that chilling injury associated with hypothermic dilution results in lower quality of stored boar semen compared with isothermic dilution and that the type of semen extender affects the outcomes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Factors affecting death and progression towards next stage following modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in neonates.

PubMed

Alsoufi, Bahaaldin; Gillespie, Scott; Mori, Makoto; Clabby, Martha; Kanter, Kirk; Kogon, Brian

2016-07-01

The modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) is utilized to palliate neonates born with restrictive pulmonary blood flow including those with single ventricle (SV) or biventricular (BV) cardiac anomalies. We aim in the current study to report palliation outcomes of neonates with BTS and to examine factors affecting death and progression to the subsequent stage of palliation or repair. Between 2002 and 2012, 341 patients underwent BTS including 175 with SV and 166 with BV anomalies. Competing risk analysis modelled events after BTS (death or transplantation, transition to Glenn shunt or biventricular repair) and examined risk factors affecting outcomes. SV patients had a higher incidence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support requirement (12 vs 4%, P = 0.004) and unplanned cardiac reoperation (14 vs 7%, P = 0.051) than their BV counterparts. Additionally, hospital mortality was higher in SV than in BV patients (15 vs 3%, P < 0.001). In SV patients, competing risk analysis showed that, 2 years following BTS, 27% of patients had died or received transplantation and 73% had undergone the Glenn shunt. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with time until death or transplantation prior to Glenn were cardiopulmonary bypass [hazard ratio (HR) 3.6 (2.0-6.4), P < 0.001], unplanned cardiac reoperation [HR 2.4 (1.3-4.6), P = 0.007], pulmonary atresia [HR 2.0 (1.1-3.7), P = 0.026] and the shunt size/weight ratio [HR 1.3 (1.1-1.4) per 0.1 increase, P = 0.001]. In BV patients, competing risk analysis showed that, 2 years following BTS, 13% of patients had died or received transplantation, 85% had undergone biventricular repair and 2% were alive without biventricular repair. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with time until death or transplantation prior to biventricular repair were genetic syndromes and extracardiac malformations [HR 6.1 (2.0-18.2), P = 0.001], weight ≤2.5 kg [HR 5.6 (2.0-16.0), P = 0.001] and male gender [HR 3.4 (1.1-11.0), P = 0.041]. Palliation with BTS continues to be associated with significant operative morbidity and mortality. In addition to hospital death, there is an important interstage attrition risk prior to subsequent palliation or biventricular repair. Inherent patient characteristics (i.e. genetic syndromes and low weight) and anatomical details (i.e. SV, pulmonary atresia and concomitant cardiac anomalies) are associated with worse survival. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

2016 Billion-ton report: Advancing domestic resources for a thriving bioeconomy, Volume 1: Economic availability of feedstock

Treesearch

M.H. Langholtz; B.J. Stokes; L.M. Eaton

2016-01-01

This product builds on previous efforts, namely the 2005 Billion-Ton Study (BTS) and the 2011 U.S. Billion-Ton Update (BT2).With each report, greater perspective is gained on the potential of biomass resources to contribute to a national energy strategy. Similarly, each successive report introduces new questions regarding commercialization challenges. BTS quantified...

The impact of blood transfusions in deceased organ donors on the outcomes of 1,884 renal grafts from United Network for Organ Sharing Region 5.

PubMed

de la Cruz, J Salvador; Sally, Mitchell B; Zatarain, John R; Crutchfield, Megan; Ramsey, Katrina; Nielsen, Jamison; Patel, Madhukar; Lapidus, Jodi; Orloff, Susan; Malinoski, Darren J

2015-10-01

Historically, strategies to reduce acute rejection and improve graft survival in kidney transplant recipients included blood transfusions (BTs) before transplantation. While advents in recipient immunosuppression strategies have replaced this practice, the impact of BTs in the organ donor on recipient graft outcomes has not been evaluated. We hypothesize that BTs in organ donors after neurologic determination of death (DNDDs) translate into improved recipient renal graft outcomes, as measured by a decrease in delayed graft function (DGF). Donor demographics, critical care end points, the use of BTs, and graft outcome data were prospectively collected on DNDDs from March 2012 to October 2013 in the United Network for Organ Sharing Region 5 Donor Management Database. Propensity analysis determined each DNDD's probability of receiving packed red blood cells based on demographic and critical care data as well as provider bias. The primary outcome measure was the rate of DGF (dialysis in the first week after transplantation) in different donor BT groups as follows: no BT, any BT, 1 to 5, 6 to 10, or greater than 10 packed red blood cell units. Regression models determined the relationship between donor BTs and recipient DGF after accounting for known predictors of DGF as well as the propensity to receive a BT. Data were complete for 1,884 renal grafts from 1,006 DNDDs; 52% received any BT, 32% received 1 to 5 U, 11% received 6 to 10, and 9% received greater than 10 U of blood. Grafts from transfused donors had a lower rate of DGF compared with those of the nontransfused donors (26% vs. 34%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for known confounders, grafts from donors with any BT had a lower odds of DGF (odds ratio, 0.76; p = 0.030), and this effect was greatest in those with greater than 10 U transfused. Any BT in a DNDD was associated with a 23% decrease in the odds of recipients developing DGF, and this effect was more pronounced as the number of BTs increased. Therapeutic study, level III; epidemiologic/prognostic study, level II.

The UK Quality and Outcomes Framework pay-for-performance scheme and spirometry: rewarding quality or just quantity? A cross-sectional study in Rotherham, UK

PubMed Central

Strong, Mark; South, Gail; Carlisle, Robin

2009-01-01

Background Accurate spirometry is important in the management of COPD. The UK Quality and Outcomes Framework pay-for-performance scheme for general practitioners includes spirometry related indicators within its COPD domain. It is not known whether high achievement against QOF spirometry indicators is associated with spirometry to BTS standards. Methods Data were obtained from the records of 3,217 patients randomly sampled from 5,649 patients with COPD in 38 general practices in Rotherham, UK. Severity of airflow obstruction was categorised by FEV1 (% predicted) according to NICE guidelines. This was compared with clinician recorded COPD severity. The proportion of patients whose spirometry met BTS standards was calculated in each practice using a random sub-sample of 761 patients. The Spearman rank correlation between practice level QOF spirometry achievement and performance against BTS spirometry standards was calculated. Results Spirometry as assessed by clinical records was to BTS standards in 31% of cases (range at practice level 0% to 74%). The categorisation of airflow obstruction according to the most recent spirometry results did not agree well with the clinical categorisation of COPD recorded in the notes (Cohen's kappa = 0.34, 0.30 – 0.38). 12% of patients on COPD registers had FEV1 (% predicted) results recorded that did not support the diagnosis of COPD. There was no association between quality, as measured by adherence to BTS spirometry standards, and either QOF COPD9 achievement (Spearman's rho = -0.11), or QOF COPD10 achievement (rho = 0.01). Conclusion The UK Quality and Outcomes Framework currently assesses the quantity, but not the quality of spirometry. PMID:19558719

The UK Quality and Outcomes Framework pay-for-performance scheme and spirometry: rewarding quality or just quantity? A cross-sectional study in Rotherham, UK.

PubMed

Strong, Mark; South, Gail; Carlisle, Robin

2009-06-28

Accurate spirometry is important in the management of COPD. The UK Quality and Outcomes Framework pay-for-performance scheme for general practitioners includes spirometry related indicators within its COPD domain. It is not known whether high achievement against QOF spirometry indicators is associated with spirometry to BTS standards. Data were obtained from the records of 3,217 patients randomly sampled from 5,649 patients with COPD in 38 general practices in Rotherham, UK. Severity of airflow obstruction was categorised by FEV1 (% predicted) according to NICE guidelines. This was compared with clinician recorded COPD severity. The proportion of patients whose spirometry met BTS standards was calculated in each practice using a random sub-sample of 761 patients. The Spearman rank correlation between practice level QOF spirometry achievement and performance against BTS spirometry standards was calculated. Spirometry as assessed by clinical records was to BTS standards in 31% of cases (range at practice level 0% to 74%). The categorisation of airflow obstruction according to the most recent spirometry results did not agree well with the clinical categorisation of COPD recorded in the notes (Cohen's kappa = 0.34, 0.30 - 0.38). 12% of patients on COPD registers had FEV1 (% predicted) results recorded that did not support the diagnosis of COPD. There was no association between quality, as measured by adherence to BTS spirometry standards, and either QOF COPD9 achievement (Spearman's rho = -0.11), or QOF COPD10 achievement (rho = 0.01). The UK Quality and Outcomes Framework currently assesses the quantity, but not the quality of spirometry.

Is there any correlation between the ATS, BTS, ERS and GOLD COPD's severity scales and the frequency of hospital admissions?

PubMed

Tsoumakidou, Maria; Tzanakis, Nikolaos; Voulgaraki, Olga; Mitrouska, Ioanna; Chrysofakis, Georgios; Samiou, Maria; Siafakas, Nikolaos M

2004-02-01

Disagreement exists between different COPD guidelines considering classification of severity of the disease. The aim of our study was to determine whether there is any correlation between severity scales of various COPD guidelines (ATS, BTS, ERS and GOLD) and the frequency of hospitalisations for COPD exacerbation. A cohort of 67 COPD patients (65 male 2 female, 45 ex-smokers, 22 current smokers, aged (69.4 +/- 1.1)) was recruited from those admitted in the pulmonary clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete for an acute exacerbation. Lung function tests and arterial blood gases analyses were performed during stable conditions at a scheduled visit 2 months after discharge. The patients were stratified using the FEV1 percent-predicted measurement of this visit into mild, moderate and severe in accordance to the ATS, BTS, ERS and GOLD scales of severity. The number of hospitalisations for acute exacerbation was recorded for the following 18 months. A total of 165 exacerbations were recorded. The correlation between the severity of COPD and the number of hospitalisations per year was statistically significant using the GOLD classification system of severity (P = 0.02 and r = 0.294). A weak correlation was also found between the number of hospitalisations and the ERS classification system (P = 0.05 and r = 0.24). No statistically significant correlation was found between the number of hospitalisations and the ATS or BTS severity scales. In conclusion the GOLD and ERS classification systems of severity of COPD correlated to exacerbations causing hospitalisation. The same was not true for the ATS and BTS severity scales. Better correlation was achieved with the GOLD scale.

Selective inhibition of ATPase activity during contraction alters the activation of p38 MAP kinase isoforms in skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Brault, Jeffrey J.; Pizzimenti, Natalie M.; Dentel, John N.; Wiseman, Robert W.

2013-01-01

Muscle contractions strongly activate p38 MAP kinases, but the precise contraction-associated sarcoplasmic event(s) (e.g. force production, energetic demands and/or calcium cycling) that activate these kinases are still unclear. We tested the hypothesis that during contraction the phosphorylation of p38 isoforms is sensitive to the increase in ATP demand relative to ATP supply. Energetic demands were inhibited using N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide (BTS, type II actomyosin) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, SERCA). Extensor digitorum longus muscles from Swiss Webster mice were incubated in Ringer’s solution (37°C) with or without inhibitors and then stimulated at 10 Hz for 15 min. Muscles were immediately freeze-clamped for metabolite and western blot analysis. BTS and BTS+CPA treatment decreased force production by 85%, as measured by the tension time integral, while CPA alone potentiated force by 310%. In control muscles, contractions resulted in a 73% loss of ATP content and a concomitant 7-fold increase in IMP content, a measure of sustained energetic imbalance. BTS or CPA treatment lessened the loss of ATP, but BTS+CPA treatment completely eliminated the energetic imbalance since ATP and IMP levels were nearly equal to those of non-stimulated muscles. The independent inhibition of cytosolic ATPase activities had no effect on contraction-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, but combined treatment prevented the increase in phosphorylation of the γ isoform while the α/βisoforms unaffected. These observations suggest that an energetic signal may trigger phosphorylation of the p38γ isoform while other factors are involved in activating the α/β isoforms, and also may explain how contractions differentially activate signaling pathways. PMID:23296747

Occurrence and fate of benzotriazoles UV filters in a typical residential wastewater treatment plant in Harbin, China.

PubMed

Zhao, Xue; Zhang, Zi-Feng; Xu, Lei; Liu, Li-Yan; Song, Wei-Wei; Zhu, Fu-Jie; Li, Yi-Fan; Ma, Wan-Li

2017-08-01

Benzotriazoles (BTs) UV filters are widely used as ultraviolet absorbents for our daily products, which received increasing attention in the past decades. Residential wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is both an important sink for wastewater and a key pollution source for receiving water for these chemicals. In this study, pretreatment and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis method were developed to determine the occurrence and fate of 9 BTs UV filters in wastewater and sludge from the WWTP with anaerobic-oxic treatment process (A/O) and biological aerated filter treatment process (BAF). Totally, 81 wastewater samples and 11 sludge samples were collected in four seasons. In wastewater, UV-326 and UV-329 were frequently detected, while the highest mean concentrations were detected for UV-234 and UV-329. The concentrations were in the range of 85% in A/O process and 60-77% in BAF process except for UV-350, which was more difficult to remove with lower removal efficiencies of 33.3% for both A/O and BAF. All the target chemicals except for UV-320 were detected in sludge samples with the mean concentration ranging from 0.90 ng/g to 303.39 ng/g. There was no significant difference with concentrations and removal efficiency among different seasons. Higher detection frequency and concentration of BTs UV filters in downstream of the receiving water system indicated the contribution of effluent of the WWTP. Compared with other rivers, the lower concentrations in surface water in the Songhua River indicated light pollution status with of BTs UV filters. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microsoft Kinect can distinguish differences in over-ground gait between older persons with and without Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Eltoukhy, Moataz; Kuenze, Christopher; Oh, Jeonghoon; Jacopetti, Marco; Wooten, Savannah; Signorile, Joseph

2017-06-01

Gait patterns differ between healthy elders and those with Parkinson's disease (PD). A simple, low-cost clinical tool that can evaluate kinematic differences between these populations would be invaluable diagnostically; since gait analysis in a clinical setting is impractical due to cost and technical expertise. This study investigated the between group differences between the Kinect and a 3D movement analysis system (BTS) and reported validity and reliability of the Kinect v2 sensor for gait analysis. Nineteen subjects participated, eleven without (C) and eight with PD (PD). Outcome measures included spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics. Ankle range of motion for C was significantly less during ankle swing compared to PD (p=0.04) for the Kinect. Both systems showed significant differences for stride length (BTS (C 1.24±0.16, PD=1.01±0.17, p=0.009), Kinect (C=1.24±0.17, PD=1.00±0.18, p=0.009)), gait velocity (BTS (C=1.06±0.14, PD=0.83±0.15, p=0.01), Kinect (C=1.06±0.15, PD=0.83±0.16, p=0.01)), and swing velocity (BTS (C=2.50±0.27, PD=2.12±0.36, p=0.02), Kinect (C=2.32±0.25, PD=1.95±0.31, p=0.01)) between groups. Agreement (Range ICC =0.93-0.99) and consistency (Range ICC =0.94-0.99) were excellent between systems for stride length, stance duration, swing duration, gait velocity, and swing velocity. The Kinect v2 can was sensitive enough to detect between group differences and consistently produced results similar to the BTS system. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving Satellite Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Using GOES-Retrieved Cloud Optical Depth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stenz, Ronald; Dong, Xiquan; Xi, Baike

To address significant gaps in ground-based radar coverage and rain gauge networks in the U.S., geostationary satellite quantitative precipitation estimates (QPEs) such as the Self-Calibrating Multivariate Precipitation Retrievals (SCaMPR) can be used to fill in both the spatial and temporal gaps of ground-based measurements. Additionally, with the launch of GOES-R, the temporal resolution of satellite QPEs may be comparable to that of Weather Service Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) volume scans as GOES images will be available every five minutes. However, while satellite QPEs have strengths in spatial coverage and temporal resolution, they face limitations particularly during convective events. Deep Convective Systemsmore » (DCSs) have large cloud shields with similar brightness temperatures (BTs) over nearly the entire system, but widely varying precipitation rates beneath these clouds. Geostationary satellite QPEs relying on the indirect relationship between BTs and precipitation rates often suffer from large errors because anvil regions (little/no precipitation) cannot be distinguished from rain-cores (heavy precipitation) using only BTs. However, a combination of BTs and optical depth (τ) has been found to reduce overestimates of precipitation in anvil regions (Stenz et al. 2014). A new rain mask algorithm incorporating both τ and BTs has been developed, and its application to the existing SCaMPR algorithm was evaluated. The performance of the modified SCaMPR was evaluated using traditional skill scores and a more detailed analysis of performance in individual DCS components by utilizing the Feng et al. (2012) classification algorithm. SCaMPR estimates with the new rain mask applied benefited from significantly reduced overestimates of precipitation in anvil regions and overall improvements in skill scores.« less

TRIXcell+, a new long-term boar semen extender containing whey protein with higher preservation capacity and litter size

PubMed Central

van den Berg, B.M.; Reesink, J.; Reesink, W.

2014-01-01

It was the aim of the present study to test whey as protective protein for the sperm cell in the long-term boar semen preservation medium TRIXcell. Analyses of sperm cell motility using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) indicated that the whey protein Porex has a similar protective effect as bovine serum albumin (BSA) in maintaining viability of stored boar sperm. Boar sperm diluted in TRIXcell+ maintains commercially acceptable motility (>60%) for 10 days, while swine sperm diluted in the semen preservation medium Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) maintains commercially acceptable motility (>60%) for 3-5 days for most boars. To test the on-farm fertility performance of TRIXcell+ compared to BTS, inseminations were started on 35 commercial pig production farms in the summer of 2006. During the period of July 2006 until July 2012 for each farm and each calendar year the mean farrowing rate and litter size for semen diluted in TRIXcell+ and stored for 3-5 days was found higher than that of semen stored for 1-2 days in BTS. Based on data gained from a total of 583.749 sows inseminated through the years 2006-2012, the mean farrowing rate for semen diluted in TRIXcell+ and BTS was 90.4 ± 4.0 and 87.9 ± 3.6, respectively, which is not significantly different. Based on the same data, the mean total number of piglets born alive for semen diluted in TRIXcell+ and BTS was 14.2 ± 0.7 and 13.6 ± 0.6, respectively, which is significantly different. We conclude that whey protein can effectively be used in the long-term preservation medium TRIXcell resulting in a higher litter size. PMID:26623335

Application of the SOS/umu test and high-content in vitro micronucleus test to determine genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of nine benzothiazoles.

PubMed

Ye, Yan; Weiwei, Jiang; Na, Li; Mei, Ma; Kaifeng, Rao; Zijian, Wang

2014-12-01

Benzothiazole and benzothiazole derivatives (BTs) have been detected in various environmental matrices as well as in human beings, but little is currently available regarding their toxicities. In our study, genotoxicities of nine BTs (benzothiazole [BT], 2-chlorobenzothiazole [CBT], 2-bromobenzothiazole [BrBT], 2-fluorobenzothiazole [FBT], 2-methylbenzothiazole [MeBT], 2-mercaptobenzothiazole [MBT], 2-aminobenzothiazole [ABT], 2-hydroxy-benzothiazole [OHBT] and 2-methythiobenzothiazole [MTBT]) are comprehensively evaluated by the SOS/umu test using the bacterial Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 for DNA-damaging effect and the high content in vitro micronucleus test using two human carcinoma cells (MGC-803 and A549) for chromosome-damaging effect. The cytotoxicity of BTs on both bacteria and two human cells was also evaluated. Except for the cytotoxic effect of MBT on MGC-803 and A549, the other tested BTs showed more than 50% cytotoxicity at their highest concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, and their LC50s ranged from 19 (MBT in bacteria) to 270 mg l(-1) (CBT in A549). Activation and inactivation were observed for specific BTs after metabolism. On the other hand, no evidence of genotoxicity was obtained for BT, FBT and MBT, and DNA damage was induced by ABT, OHBT, BrBT and MTBT in MGC-803, by MeBT in A549 and by CBT in both cells. Through quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis, two structure alerts for chemical genotoxicity, including heterocyclic amine and hacceptor-path3-hacceptor are present in ABT and OHBT respectively; however, the underlying mechanisms still need further evaluation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sequence invariant state machines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitaker, S.; Manjunath, S.

1990-01-01

A synthesis method and new VLSI architecture are introduced to realize sequential circuits that have the ability to implement any state machine having N states and m inputs, regardless of the actual sequence specified in the flow table. A design method is proposed that utilizes BTS logic to implement regular and dense circuits. A given state sequence can be programmed with power supply connections or dynamically reallocated if stored in a register. Arbitrary flow table sequences can be modified or programmed to dynamically alter the function of the machine. This allows VLSI controllers to be designed with the programmability of a general purpose processor but with the compact size and performance of dedicated logic.

Validation of the Microsoft Kinect® camera system for measurement of lower extremity jump landing and squatting kinematics.

PubMed

Eltoukhy, Moataz; Kelly, Adam; Kim, Chang-Young; Jun, Hyung-Pil; Campbell, Richard; Kuenze, Christopher

2016-01-01

Cost effective, quantifiable assessment of lower extremity movement represents potential improvement over standard tools for evaluation of injury risk. Ten healthy participants completed three trials of a drop jump, overhead squat, and single leg squat task. Peak hip and knee kinematics were assessed using an 8 camera BTS Smart 7000DX motion analysis system and the Microsoft Kinect® camera system. The agreement and consistency between both uncorrected and correct Kinect kinematic variables and the BTS camera system were assessed using interclass correlations coefficients. Peak sagittal plane kinematics measured using the Microsoft Kinect® camera system explained a significant amount of variance [Range(hip) = 43.5-62.8%; Range(knee) = 67.5-89.6%] in peak kinematics measured using the BTS camera system. Across tasks, peak knee flexion angle and peak hip flexion were found to be consistent and in agreement when the Microsoft Kinect® camera system was directly compared to the BTS camera system but these values were improved following application of a corrective factor. The Microsoft Kinect® may not be an appropriate surrogate for traditional motion analysis technology, but it may have potential applications as a real-time feedback tool in pathological or high injury risk populations.

Summary of the British Transplantation Society UK Guidelines for Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Manas, Derek; Burnapp, Lisa; Andrews, Peter Antony

2016-06-01

The British Transplantation Society Guidelines for Living Donor Liver Transplantation was published in July 2015 and is the first national guideline in the field of living donor liver transplantation. The guideline aims to review the evidence relating to the evaluation process of both recipient and donor candidates; address the moral and ethical issues surrounding the procedure; outline the technical aspects of the procedure, including the middle hepatic vein controversy and the "small for size syndrome"; review donor and recipient outcomes and complications including donor mortality; and examine evidence relating to the advantages and disadvantages of living donor liver transplantation. In line with previous guidelines published by the BTS, the guideline has used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system to rate the strength of evidence and recommendations. This article summarizes the Statements of Recommendation contained in the guideline, which provide a framework for the delivery of living liver donation in the United Kingdom and may be of wide international interest. It is recommended that the full guideline document is consulted for details of the relevant references and evidence base. This may be accessed at http://www.bts.org.uk/BTS/Guidelines_Standards/Current/BTS/Guidelines_Standards/Current_Guidelines.aspx?hkey=e285ca32-5920-4613-ac08-fa9fd90915b5.

Butyltin residues in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) found dead along California coastal waters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kannan, K.; Guruge, K.S.; Thomas, N.J.; Tanabe, S.; Giesy, J.P.

1998-01-01

Tributyltin (TBT) and its degradation products, mono- (MBT) and dibutyltin (DBT), were determined in liver, kidney, and brain tissues of adult southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) found dead along the coast of California during 1992a??1996. Hepatic concentrations of butyltin compounds (BTs = MBT + DBT + TBT) ranged from 40 to 9200 ng/g wet wt, which varied depending on the sampling location and gender. Concentrations of BTs in sea otters were comparable to those reported in stranded bottlenose dolphins from the U.S. Atlantic Coast during 1989a??1994. Greater accumulation of butyltins in sea otters was explained by their bottom-feeding habit and the diet that consists exclusively of invertebrates such as mollusks and gastropods. Livers of female sea otters contained approximately 2-fold greater concentrations of BTs than did those of males. The composition of butyltin compounds in sea otter tissues was predominated by TBT in most cases and suggestive of recent exposure. Large harbors such as Monterey Harbor that handle ships legally painted with TBT-containing antifouling paints continued to experience ecotoxicologically significant butyltin contamination. Sea otters, which were affected by infectious diseases, contained greater concentrations of BTs in their tissues than those that died from trauma and other unknown causes.

Study of CO2 cyclic absorption stability of CaO-based sorbents derived from lime mud purified by sucrose method.

PubMed

Ma, AiHua; Jia, QingMing; Su, HongYing; Zhi, YunFei; Tian, Na; Wu, Jing; Shan, ShaoYun

2016-02-01

Using lime mud (LM) purified by sucrose method, derived from paper-making industry, as calcium precursor, and using mineral rejects-bauxite-tailings (BTs) from aluminum production as dopant, the CaO-based sorbents for high-temperature CO2 capture were prepared. Effects of BTs content, precalcining time, and temperature on CO2 cyclic absorption stability were illustrated. The cyclic carbonation behavior was investigated in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Phase composition and morphologies were analyzed by XRD and SEM. The results reflected that the as-synthesized CaO-based sorbent doped with 10 wt% BTs showed a superior CO2 cyclic absorption-desorption conversion during multiple cycles, with conversion being >38 % after 50 cycles. Occurrence of Ca12Al14O33 phase during precalcination was probably responsible for the excellent CO2 cyclic stability.

[Findings from Total Colonoscopy in Obstructive Colorectal Cancer Patients Who Underwent Stent Placement as a Bridge to Surgery(BTS)].

PubMed

Maruo, Hirotoshi; Tsuyuki, Hajime; Kojima, Tadahiro; Koreyasu, Ryohei; Nakamura, Koichi; Higashi, Yukihiro; Shoji, Tsuyoshi; Yamazaki, Masanori; Nishiyama, Raisuke; Ito, Tatsuhiro; Koike, Kota; Ikeda, Takashi; Takayanagi, Yasuhiro; Kubota, Hiroyuki

2017-11-01

We clinically investigated 34 patients with obstructive colorectal cancer who underwent placement of a colonic stent as a bridge to surgery(BTS), focusing on endoscopic findings after stent placement.Twenty -nine patients(85.3%)underwent colonoscopy after stent placement, and the entire large intestine could be observed in 28(96.6%).Coexisting lesions were observed in 22(78.6%)of these 28 patients.The lesions comprised adenomatous polyps in 17 patients(60.7%), synchronous colon cancers in 5 patients(17.9%), and obstructive colitis in 3 patients(10.7%), with some overlapping cases.All patients with multiple cancers underwent one-stage surgery, and all lesions were excised at the same time.Colonoscopy after colonic stent placement is important for preoperative diagnosis of coexisting lesions and planning the extent of resection. These considerations support the utility of colonic stenting for BTS.

British Thoracic Society Quality Standards for acute non-invasive ventilation in adults

PubMed Central

Davies, Michael; Allen, Martin; Bentley, Andrew; Bourke, Stephen C; Creagh-Brown, Ben; D’Oliveiro, Rachel; Glossop, Alastair; Gray, Alasdair; Jacobs, Phillip; Mahadeva, Ravi; Moses, Rachael; Setchfield, Ian

2018-01-01

Introduction The purpose of the quality standards document is to provide healthcare professionals, commissioners, service providers and patients with a guide to standards of care that should be met for the provision of acute non-invasive ventilation in adults together with measurable markers of good practice. Methods Development of British Thoracic Society (BTS) Quality Standards follows the BTS process of quality standard production based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence process manual for the development of quality standards. Results 6 quality statements have been developed, each describing a standard of care for the provision of acute non-invasive ventilation in the UK, together with measurable markers of good practice. Conclusion BTS Quality Standards for acute non-invasive ventilation in adults form a key part of the range of supporting materials that the Society produces to assist in the dissemination and implementation of guideline’s recommendations. PMID:29636979

Visualization of electromagnetic exposure near LTE antennae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zvezdina, M. Yu; Shokova, Yu A.; Nazarova, O. Yu; Al-Ali, H. T. A.; Al-Farhan, G. H. A.

2018-01-01

Technical progress in wireless data transfer has given an opportunity to apply information and communication technologies in various areas of economics. Digital economy is linked to the 4th and 5th generation mobile network deployment. The peculiarities of the abovementioned standards decrease BTS antenna range three times in dense developed areas and worsen electromagnetic background in big cities. In the paper the comparative assessment results for rooftop electromagnetic exposure near BTS LTE and BTS GSM antennae are given. It is shown, that at the same level of transmitter power, energy flux density for LTE standard is three times less than the one for GSM. Moreover, the conclusion is made that the rooftop could be considered safe for people for indefinite time if antenna is placed more than 5 meters above the rooftop. The value of antenna height is taken to be on the safe side, as it is required by an application of “preventive principle”.

Relationship between Community Collectivization and Financial Vulnerability of Female Sex Workers in Southern India

PubMed Central

Patel, Sangram Kishor; Prabhakar, Parimi; Jain, Anrudh Kumar; Saggurti, Niranjan; Adhikary, Rajatashuvra

2016-01-01

Introduction Studies exploring the linkages between financial vulnerabilities and community collectivization of female sex workers (FSWs) are scarce in India despite having potential policy implications. To fill this gap in the literature, this study attempts to understand the financial vulnerabilities among FSWs and assess the relationship between community collectivization and financial vulnerabilities in southern India. Data and Methods Data were drawn from a cross-sectional, behavioral tracking survey (BTS)—2014, conducted among FSWs (N = 2400) in Andhra Pradesh, a southern state of India under the Avahan-India AIDS initiative program. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated through multivariate logistic regression, to assess the independent relationships of the degree of community collectivization indicators with financial vulnerability indicators, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Results Most FSWs (87%) reported having either one or more financial vulnerability and nearly one-fifth had a high financial vulnerability. The risk of facing financial vulnerability was significantly lower among FSWs with a high degree of perceived collective efficacy (15% vs 31%; AOR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3–0.5) and collective agency (4% vs 21%; AOR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1–0.3) as compared to their respective counterparts, after controlling for their individual socio-demographic characteristics. FSWs with a high degree of collective efficacy are also less likely to report different components of financial vulnerability (e.g. income, saving, expenditure, and debt). Conclusion This study finding suggests that community-led interventions such as improving collectivization are promising strategies to address financial vulnerabilities and a path to a sustainable reduction of HIV risk. This study calls for further evidence-based research and measurement of the effects of community-led approaches in addressing the financial vulnerabilities of the key population at risk for HIV. PMID:27227998

Occurrence and behavior of butyltins in intertidal and shallow subtidal surface sediments of an estuarine beach under different sampling conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Dayana Moscardi dos; Sant'Anna, Bruno Sampaio; Sandron, Daniela Corsino; Cardoso de Souza, Sara; Cristale, Joyce; Marchi, Mary Rosa Rodrigues de; Turra, Alexander

2010-07-01

Contamination by butyltin compounds (BTs) has been reported in estuarine environments worldwide, with serious impacts on the biota of these areas. Considering that BTs can be degraded by varying environmental conditions such as incident light and salinity, the short-term variations in such factors may lead to inaccurate estimates of BTs concentrations in nature. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the possibility that measurements of BTs in estuarine sediments are influenced by different sampling conditions, including period of the day (day or night), tidal zone (intertidal or subtidal), and tides (high or low). The study area is located on the Brazilian southeastern coast, São Vicente Estuary, at Pescadores Beach, where BT contamination was previously detected. Three replicate samples of surface sediment were collected randomly in each combination of period of the day, tidal zone, and tide condition, from three subareas along the beach, totaling 72 samples. BTs were analyzed by GC-PFPD using a tin filter and a VF-5 column, by means of a validated method. The concentrations of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and monobutyltin (MBT) ranged from undetectable to 161 ng Sn g -1 (d.w.). In most samples (71%), only MBT was quantifiable, whereas TBTs were measured in only 14, suggesting either an old contamination or rapid degradation processes. DBT was found in 27 samples, but could be quantified in only one. MBT concentrations did not differ significantly with time of day, zones, or tide conditions. DBT and TBT could not be compared under all these environmental conditions, because only a few samples were above the quantification limit. Pooled samples of TBT did not reveal any difference between day and night. These results indicated that, in assessing contamination by butyltin compounds, surface-sediment samples can be collected in any environmental conditions. However, the wide variation of BTs concentrations in the study area, i.e., over a very small geographic scale, illustrates the need for representative hierarchical and composite sampling designs that are compatible with the multiscalar temporal and spatial variability common to most marine systems. The use of such sampling designs will be necessary for future attempts to quantitatively evaluate and monitor the occurrence and impact of these compounds in nature.

Toxic effects of tributyltin and its metabolites on harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) immune cells in vitro.

PubMed

Frouin, Héloïse; Lebeuf, Michel; Saint-Louis, Richard; Hammill, Mike; Pelletier, Emilien; Fournier, Michel

2008-11-21

The widespread environmental contamination, bioaccumulation and endocrine disruptor effects of butyltins (BTs) to wildlife are well documented. Although suspected, potential effects of BTs exposure on the immune system of marine mammals have been little investigated. In this study, we assessed the effects of tributyltin (TBT) and its dealkylated metabolites dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) on the immune responses of harbour seals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from pup and adult harbour seals were exposed in vitro to varying concentrations of BTs. DBT resulted in a significant decrease at 100 and 200 nM of phagocytotic activity and reduced significantly phagocytic efficiency at 200 nM in adult seals. There was no effect in phagocytosis with TBT and MBT. In pups, the highest concentration (200 nM) of DBT inhibited phagocytic efficiency. A reduction of tumor-killing capacity of adult natural killer (NK) cells occurred when leukocytes were incubated in vitro with 50 nM DBT and 200 nM TBT for 24h. In adult seals, T-lymphocyte proliferation was significantly suppressed when the cells were exposed to 200 nM TBT and 100 nM DBT. In pups, the proliferative response increased after an exposure to 100 nM TBT and 50 nM DBT, but decreased with 200 nM TBT and 100 nM DBT. The immune functions were more affected by BTs exposure in adults than in pups, suggesting that other unsuspected mechanisms could trigger immune parameters in pups. The toxic potential of BTs followed the order of DBT>TBT>MBT. BT concentrations of harbour seal pups from the St. Lawrence Estuary (Bic National Park) ranged between 0.1-0.4 ng Sn/g wet weight (ww) and 1.2-13.4 ng Sn/g ww in blood and blubber, respectively. For these animals, DBT concentrations were consistently below the quantification limit of 0.04 ng Sn/g ww in blood and 0.2 ng Sn/g ww in blubber. Results suggest that concentrations measured in pups are considered too low to induce toxic effects to their immune system during first days of life. However, based on our in vitro results, we hypothesize that BTs, and DBT in particular, could pose a serious threat to the immune functions in free-ranging harbour seal adults.

The usefulness of Duplex Doppler ultrasound in the angiological and dermatological diagnosis of patients with blue toe syndrome.

PubMed

Pawlaczyk, Katarzyna; Gabriel, Marcin; Strzelecka-Węklar, Daria A; Krasiński, Zbigniew; Stanisic, Michal; Gabriel, Zofia; Dzieciuchowicz, Łukasz; Adamski, Zygmunt

2017-10-01

Peripheral microembolism is one of the most frequent causes of acute limb ischemia. In order to effectively prevent relapses it is essential to localize and eliminate the source of embolism. To evaluate the role of Duplex Doppler ultrasound examination in identifying the causes of blue toe syndrome (BTS). The group of 165 patients with clinical symptoms of BTS on their upper limbs ( n = 16) and lower limbs ( n = 149) was investigated. They all underwent Duplex Doppler ultrasound of the major arteries of the extremities, where ischemic changes occurred. Morphological and functional changes which might be potential sources of microembolism were identified in 146 patients. These changes included significant short-length stenoses or unstable atherosclerotic plaque ( n = 73), true aneurysms ( n = 42) and pseudoaneurysms ( n = 17). In 11 cases, pathology of vascular prostheses in the form of anastomotic aneurysms, infection and residual thrombi after fibrinolysis was detected. In all cases, Duplex diagnosis was confirmed by other imaging and intraoperative tests. Duplex Doppler ultrasound of the arteries in the affected limb with a full length view should be the first-line examination in diagnosing patients with BTS. In the absence of hemodynamic blood flow disturbances in the major arteries in patients with symptoms of BTS, it is advisable to start haematological tests to identify/exclude congenital or acquired thrombophilia.

Hybrid approach to surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot in all patients with functioning Blalock Taussig shunts.

PubMed

Sivakumar, Kothandam; Krishnan, Prasad; Pieris, Rajeeva; Francis, Edwin

2007-08-01

In total surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with functioning Blalock Taussig shunts (BTS), shunt take down increased surgical time, bleeding, and might injure phrenic and recurrent laryngeal nerve and thoracic duct. A routine hybrid approach using transcatheter BTS closure immediately before total surgical correction of TOF in all patients might reduce these problems. We analyze the safety and feasibility of this approach. Transcatheter BTS closure was achieved using single or multiple stainless steel embolization coils, Amplatzer vascular plugs, or duct occluders. When coils were released without control by bioptome forceps, coil migration in larger shunts was prevented by proximal or distal balloon occlusion. This routine hybrid strategy was followed in 22 consecutive patients aged 1-13 years over 4-year-period and 21 procedures were successful. Among the 16 patients attempted with coils, 13 had successful closure, 2 needed Amplatzer duct occluder devices, and 1 sent for surgical shunt takedown due to acute angulation of the shunt. New Amplatzer vascular plugs were used in six patients. Bioptome was used in six patients and proximal or distal balloon occlusion of flow was used in three patients. Four patients had closure of associated aortopulmonary or chest wall collaterals. Hybrid approach using routine transcatheter closure of all BTS immediately before surgical correction of TOF shunts with coils/plugs/devices is safe, feasible, and reproducible. Copyright (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Efficacy of a Novel Narrow Knife with Water Jet Function for Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.

PubMed

Yoshida, Naohisa; Toyonaga, Takashi; Murakami, Takaaki; Hirose, Ryohei; Ogiso, Kiyoshi; Inada, Yutaka; Rani, Rafiz Abdul; Naito, Yuji; Kishimoto, Mitsuo; Ohara, Yoshiko; Azuma, Takeshi; Itoh, Yoshito

2017-01-01

With respect to the knife's design in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), diameter, water jet function, and electric power are important because these relate to efficient dissection. In this study, we analyzed a novel, narrow ball tip-typed ESD knife with water jet function (Flush knife BT-S, diameter: 2.2 mm, length: 2000 mm, Fujifilm Co., Tokyo, Japan) compared to a regular diameter knife (Flush knife BT, diameter: 2.6 mm, length: 1800 mm). In laboratory and clinical research, electric power, knife insertion time, vacuum/suction amount with knife in the endoscopic channel, and water jet function were analyzed. We used a knife 2.0 mm long for BT-S and BT knives. The BT-S showed faster mean knife insertion time (sec) and better vacuum amount (ml/min) compared to the BT (insertion time: 16.7 versus 21.6, p < 0.001, vacuum amount: 38.0 versus 14.0, p < 0.01). Additionally, the water jet function of the BT-S was not inferior. In 39 colorectal ESD cases in two institutions, there were mean 4.7 times (range: 1-28) of knife insertion. Suction under knife happened 59% (23/39) and suction of fluid could be done in 100%. Our study showed that the narrow knife allows significantly faster knife insertion, better vacuum function, and effective clinical results.

Proceedings of the 1997 oil heat technology conference and workshop

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McDonald, R.J.

1997-09-01

This report documents the Proceedings of the 1997 Oil Heat Technology Conference and Workshop, held on April 3--4 at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), and sponsored by the US Department of Energy--Office of Building Technologies, State and Community programs (DOE-BTS), in cooperation with the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA). This Conference is a key technology transfer activity supported by the ongoing Combustion Equipment Technology (Oil-Heat R and D) program at BNL, and is aimed at providing a forum for the exchange of information among international researchers, engineers, manufacturers, and marketers of oil-fired space-conditioning equipment. The objectives of the Conference weremore » to: identify and evaluate the state-of-the-art and recommend new initiatives for higher efficiency, a cleaner environment, and to satisfy consumer needs cost-effectively, reliably, and safely: and foster cooperation among federal and industrial representatives with the common goal of sustained national economic growth and energy security via energy conservation. The 1997 Oil Technology Conference comprised: (a) five plenary sessions devoted to presentations and summations by public and private sector industry representatives from the US, and Canada, and (b) four workshops which focused on mainstream issues in oil-heating technology. This book contains 14 technical papers and four summaries from the workshops. Selected papers have been indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.« less

The assisted bidirectional Glenn: a novel surgical approach for first-stage single-ventricle heart palliation.

PubMed

Esmaily-Moghadam, Mahdi; Hsia, Tain-Yen; Marsden, Alison L

2015-03-01

Outcomes after a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS) in neonates with single-ventricle physiology remain unsatisfactory. However, initial palliation with a superior cavopulmonary connection, such as a bidirectional Glenn (BDG), is discouraged, owing to potential for inadequate pulmonary blood flow (PBF). We tested the feasibility of a novel surgical approach, adopting the engineering concept of an ejector pump, whereby the flow in the BDG is "assisted" by injection of a high-energy flow stream from the systemic circulation. Realistic 3-dimensional models of the neonatal mBTS and BDG circulations were created. The "assisted" bidirectional Glenn (ABG) consisted of a shunt between the right innominate artery and the superior vena cava (SVC), with a 1.5-mm clip near the SVC anastomosis to create a Venturi effect. The 3 models were coupled to a validated hydraulic circulation model, and 2 pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) values (7 and 2.3 Wood units) were simulated. The ABG provided the highest systemic oxygen saturation and oxygen delivery at both PVR levels. In addition to achieving higher PBF than the BDG, the ABG produced a lower single-ventricular workload than mBTS. SVC pressure was highest in the ABG model (ABG: 15; Glenn: 11; mBTS: 3 mm Hg; PVR = 7 Wood units), but at low PVR, the SVC pressure was significantly lower (ABG: 8; Glenn: 6; mBTS: <3 mm Hg). Adopting the principle of an ejector pump, with additional flow directed into the SVC in a BDG, the ABG appears to increase PBF with a modest increase in SVC and pulmonary arterial pressure. Although multiscale modeling results demonstrate the conceptual feasibility of the ABG circulation, further technical refinement and investigations are necessary, especially in an appropriate animal model. Copyright © 2015 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Introducing the new BTS Guideline: Management of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD).

PubMed

Haworth, Charles S; Floto, R Andres

2017-11-01

The new BTS Guidelines for the management of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease combine the best available evidence with expert consensus to generate a set of pragmatic Guidelines, published as a supplement to this issue of Thorax, to assist in the management of these challenging infections. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

British Thoracic Society quality standards for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules.

PubMed

Baldwin, David; Callister, Matthew; Akram, Ahsan; Cane, Paul; Draffan, Jeanette; Franks, Kevin; Gleeson, Fergus; Graham, Richard; Malhotra, Puneet; Pearson, Philip; Subesinghe, Manil; Waller, David; Woolhouse, Ian

2018-01-01

The purpose of the quality standards document is to provide healthcare professionals, commissioners, service providers and patients with a guide to standards of care that should be met for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules in the UK, together with measurable markers of good practice. Development of British Thoracic Society (BTS) Quality Standards follows the BTS process of quality standard production based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence process manual for the development of quality standards. 7 quality statements have been developed, each describing a key marker of high-quality, cost-effective care for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules, and each statement is supported by quality measures that aim to improve the structure, process and outcomes of healthcare. BTS Quality Standards for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules form a key part of the range of supporting materials that the Society produces to assist in the dissemination and implementation of guideline recommendations.

Size-based trends and management implications of microhabitat utilization by Brown Treesnakes, with an emphasis on juvenile snakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rodda, Gordon H.; Reed, Robert N.

2007-01-01

The brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis, or BTS), a costly invasive species, has been the subject of intensive research on Guam over the past two decades. The behavior and habitat use of hatchling and juvenile snakes, however, remain largely unknown. We used a long-term dataset of BTS captures (N = 2,415) and a dataset resulting from intensive sampling within and immediately around a 5-ha fenced population (N = 2,541) to examine habitat use of BTS. Small snakes were almost exclusively arboreal and that they appeared to prefer tangantangan (Leucaena leucocephala) habitats. In contrast, large snakes used arboreal and terrestrial habitats in roughly equal proportion, and were less frequently found in tangantangan. Among snakes found in trees, there were no clear size-based preferences for certain heights above ground, nor for size-based choice of perch diameters. We discuss these results as they relate to management and interdiction implications for brown treesnakes on Guam and in potential incipient populations on other islands.

A cognitive mobile BTS solution with software-defined radioelectric sensing.

PubMed

Muñoz, Jorge; Alonso, Javier Vales; García, Francisco Quiñoy; Costas, Sergio; Pillado, Marcos; Castaño, Francisco Javier González; Sánchez, Manuel García; Valcarce, Roberto López; Bravo, Cristina López

2013-02-05

Private communications inside large vehicles such as ships may be effectively provided using standard cellular systems. In this paper we propose a new solution based on software-defined radio with electromagnetic sensing support. Software-defined radio allows low-cost developments and, potentially, added-value services not available in commercial cellular networks. The platform of reference, OpenBTS, only supports single-channel cells. Our proposal, however, has the ability of changing BTS channel frequency without disrupting ongoing communications. This ability should be mandatory in vehicular environments, where neighbouring cell configurations may change rapidly, so a moving cell must be reconfigured in real-time to avoid interferences. Full details about frequency occupancy sensing and the channel reselection procedure are provided in this paper. Moreover, a procedure for fast terminal detection is proposed. This may be decisive in emergency situations, e.g., if someone falls overboard. Different tests confirm the feasibility of our proposal and its compatibility with commercial GSM terminals.

A Cognitive Mobile BTS Solution with Software-Defined Radioelectric Sensing

PubMed Central

Muñoz, Jorge; Alonso, Javier Vales; García, Francisco Quiñoy; Costas, Secundino; Pillado, Marcos; Castaño, Francisco Javier González; Sánchez, Manuel Garćia; Valcarce, Roberto López; Bravo, Cristina López

2013-01-01

Private communications inside large vehicles such as ships may be effectively provided using standard cellular systems. In this paper we propose a new solution based on software-defined radio with electromagnetic sensing support. Software-defined radio allows low-cost developments and, potentially, added-value services not available in commercial cellular networks. The platform of reference, OpenBTS, only supports single-channel cells. Our proposal, however, has the ability of changing BTS channel frequency without disrupting ongoing communications. This ability should be mandatory in vehicular environments, where neighbouring cell configurations may change rapidly, so a moving cell must be reconfigured in real-time to avoid interferences. Full details about frequency occupancy sensing and the channel reselection procedure are provided in this paper. Moreover, a procedure for fast terminal detection is proposed. This may be decisive in emergency situations, e.g., if someone falls overboard. Different tests confirm the feasibility of our proposal and its compatibility with commercial GSM terminals. PMID:23385417

British Thoracic Society quality standards for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules

PubMed Central

Baldwin, David; Callister, Matthew; Akram, Ahsan; Cane, Paul; Draffan, Jeanette; Franks, Kevin; Gleeson, Fergus; Graham, Richard; Malhotra, Puneet; Pearson, Philip; Subesinghe, Manil; Waller, David; Woolhouse, Ian

2018-01-01

Introduction The purpose of the quality standards document is to provide healthcare professionals, commissioners, service providers and patients with a guide to standards of care that should be met for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules in the UK, together with measurable markers of good practice. Methods Development of British Thoracic Society (BTS) Quality Standards follows the BTS process of quality standard production based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence process manual for the development of quality standards. Results 7 quality statements have been developed, each describing a key marker of high-quality, cost-effective care for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules, and each statement is supported by quality measures that aim to improve the structure, process and outcomes of healthcare. Discussion BTS Quality Standards for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules form a key part of the range of supporting materials that the Society produces to assist in the dissemination and implementation of guideline recommendations. PMID:29682290

Efficacy of a Novel Narrow Knife with Water Jet Function for Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

PubMed Central

Inada, Yutaka; Rani, Rafiz Abdul; Naito, Yuji; Azuma, Takeshi; Itoh, Yoshito

2017-01-01

Backgrounds With respect to the knife's design in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), diameter, water jet function, and electric power are important because these relate to efficient dissection. In this study, we analyzed a novel, narrow ball tip-typed ESD knife with water jet function (Flush knife BT-S, diameter: 2.2 mm, length: 2000 mm, Fujifilm Co., Tokyo, Japan) compared to a regular diameter knife (Flush knife BT, diameter: 2.6 mm, length: 1800 mm). Methods In laboratory and clinical research, electric power, knife insertion time, vacuum/suction amount with knife in the endoscopic channel, and water jet function were analyzed. We used a knife 2.0 mm long for BT-S and BT knives. Results The BT-S showed faster mean knife insertion time (sec) and better vacuum amount (ml/min) compared to the BT (insertion time: 16.7 versus 21.6, p < 0.001, vacuum amount: 38.0 versus 14.0, p < 0.01). Additionally, the water jet function of the BT-S was not inferior. In 39 colorectal ESD cases in two institutions, there were mean 4.7 times (range: 1–28) of knife insertion. Suction under knife happened 59% (23/39) and suction of fluid could be done in 100%. Conclusions Our study showed that the narrow knife allows significantly faster knife insertion, better vacuum function, and effective clinical results. PMID:29081793

Effects of Butyltins (BTs) on Mitogen-Activated-Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase (MAP3K) and Ras Activity in Human Natural Killer Cells

PubMed Central

Celada, Lindsay J.; Whalen, Margaret M.

2013-01-01

Butyltins (BTs) contaminate the environment and are found in human blood. BTs, tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT), diminish the cytotoxic function and levels of key proteins of human natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are an initial immune defense against tumors, virally-infected cells and antibody-coated cells and thus critical to human health. The signaling pathways that regulate NK cell functions include mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Studies have shown that exposure to BTs leads to the activation of specific MAPKs and MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks) in human NK cells. MAP2K kinases (MAP3Ks) are upstream activators of MAP2Ks, which then activate MAPKs. The current study examined if BT-induced activation of MAP3Ks was responsible for MAP2K and thus, MAPK activation. This study examines the effects of TBT and DBT on the total levels of two MAP3Ks, c-Raf and ASK1, as well as activating and inhibitory phosphorylation sites on these MAP3Ks. In addition, the immediate upstream activator of c-Raf, Ras, was examined for BT-induced alterations. Our results show significant activation of the MAP3K, c-Raf, in human NK cells within 10 minutes of TBT exposure and the MAP3K, ASK1, after one hour exposures to TBT. In addition, our results suggest that both TBT and DBT are impacting the regulation of c-Raf. PMID:24038145

Using laboratory measurements to predict in-flight desaturation in respiratory patients: are current guidelines appropriate?

PubMed

Robson, A G; Lenney, J; Innes, J A

2008-11-01

In an attempt to guide physicians asked by respiratory patients for advice on flight fitness, the British Thoracic Society (BTS) have published guidelines on fitness to fly. The main potential hazard is hypobaric hypoxia, and efforts have focused on the prediction of hypoxia in individuals. The present study examines 10 years' experience of hypoxic challenge (HC) of respiratory patients to evaluate if the guidelines recommended by the BTS are appropriate. One hundred and eighteen patients (67 female, mean age 65.6+/-11.4 (SD) years) were referred for assessment. Patients underwent HC using a 40% Venturi mask supplied with 100% N(2) which lowered the F(i)O(2) to 15.1%. A further 13 patients on long-term oxygen therapy also underwent HC whilst receiving supplemental oxygen. In agreement with the BTS guidelines, all patients with a sea level SpO(2) of over 95% maintained their SpO(2) > or = 90% during HC. One third of patients with sea level SpO(2) of 92-95%, but no other risk factor (as defined by the guidelines) also desaturated below 90% during HC. Thirty-two patients were assessed as fit to fly with supplemental oxygen. Our results support the BTS guidelines for patients with a sea level SpO(2) > 95% but suggest that some revision is required for patients with a sea level SpO(2) of 92-95%. It was not possible to predict from either initial SpO(2) or spirometry which individuals were at risk of desaturation below 90% during hypoxic challenge.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation exposure inside the metro tube infrastructure in Warszawa.

PubMed

Gryz, Krzysztof; Karpowicz, Jolanta

2015-09-01

Antennas from various wireless communications systems [e.g. mobile phones base transceiver stations (BTS) and handsets used by passengers, public Internet access, staff radiophone transmitters used between engine-drivers and traffic operators] emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) are used inside underground metro public transportation. Frequency-selective exposimetric investigations of RF-EMR exposure inside the metro infrastructure in Warsaw (inside metro cars passing between stations and on platforms) were performed. The statistical parameters of exposure to the E-field were analyzed for each frequency range and for a total value (representing the wide-band result of measurements of complex exposure). The recorded exposimetric profiles showed the dominant RF-EMR sources: handsets and BTS of mobile communication systems (GSM 900 and UMTS 2100) and local wireless Internet access (WiFi 2G). Investigations showed that the GSM 900 system is the dominant source of exposure - BTS (incessantly active) on platforms, and handsets - used by passengers present nearby during the tube drive. The recorded E-field varies between sources (for BTS were: medians - 0.22 V/m and 75th percentile - 0.37 V/m; and for handsets: medians - 0.28 V/m and 75th percentile - 0.47 V/m). Maximum levels (peaks) of exposure recorded from mobile handsets exceeded 10 V/m (upper limit of used exposimeters). Broadband measurements of E-field, including the dominant signal emitted by staff radiophones (151 MHz), showed that the level of this exposure of engine-drivers does not exceed 2.5 V/m.

The Effect of Myofilament Compliance on Kinetics of Force Generation by Myosin Motors in Muscle

PubMed Central

Linari, M.; Piazzesi, G.; Lombardi, V.

2009-01-01

Abstract We use the inhibitor of isometric force of skeletal muscle N-benzyl-p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS) to decrease, in a dose dependent way, the number of myosin motors attached to actin during the steady isometric contraction of single fibers from frog skeletal muscle (4°C, 2.1 μm sarcomere length). In this way we can reduce the strain in the myofilament compliance during the isometric tetanus (T0) from 3.54 nm in the control solution (T0,NR) to ∼0.5 nm in 1 μM BTS, where T0 is reduced to ∼0.15 T0,NR. The quick force recovery after a step release (1–3 nm per half-sarcomere) becomes faster with the increase of BTS concentration and the decrease of T0. The simulation of quick force recovery with a multistate model of force generation, that adapts Huxley and Simmons model to account for both the high stiffness of the myosin motor (∼3 pN/nm) and the myofilament compliance, shows that the increase in the rate of quick force recovery by BTS is explained by the reduced strain in the myofilaments, consequent to the decrease in half-sarcomere force. The model estimates that i), for the same half-sarcomere release the state transition kinetics in the myosin motor are five times faster in the absence of filament compliance than in the control; and ii), the rate of force recovery from zero to T0 is ∼6000/s in the absence of filament compliance. PMID:19167306

Is the BTS/SIGN guideline confusing? A retrospective database analysis of asthma therapy.

PubMed

Covvey, Jordan R; Johnston, Blair F; Wood, Fraser; Boyter, Anne C

2013-09-01

The British guideline on the management of asthma produced by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) describes five steps for the management of chronic asthma. Combination therapy of a long acting β2-agonist (LABA) and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) is recommended as first-line therapy at step 3, although the dose of ICS at which to add a LABA is subject to debate. To classify the inhaled therapy prescribed to patients with asthma in NHS Forth Valley according to two interpretations of the BTS/SIGN guideline and to evaluate the use of combination therapy in this population. A retrospective analysis including patients from 46 general practitioner surgeries was conducted. Patients with physician diagnosed asthma were classified according to the BTS/SIGN guideline based on treatment prescribed during 2008. Patient characteristics were evaluated for the overall step classification, and specifically for therapy in step 3. 12,319 patients were included. Guideline interpretation resulted in a shift of 9.2% of patients (receiving medium-dose ICS alone) between steps 2 and 3. The largest proportion of patients (32.3%) was classified at step 4. Age, sex, smoking status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease co-morbidity, and utilisation of short-acting β2-agonists and oral corticosteroids all correlated with step; however, no differences in these characteristics were evident between low-dose combination therapy and medium-dose ICS alone at step 3. Further studies are needed to evaluate prescribing decisions in asthma. Guideline recommendations regarding the use of ICS dose escalation versus combination therapy need to be clarified relative to the published evidence.

The effect of myofilament compliance on kinetics of force generation by myosin motors in muscle.

PubMed

Linari, M; Piazzesi, G; Lombardi, V

2009-01-01

We use the inhibitor of isometric force of skeletal muscle N-benzyl-p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS) to decrease, in a dose dependent way, the number of myosin motors attached to actin during the steady isometric contraction of single fibers from frog skeletal muscle (4 degrees C, 2.1 microm sarcomere length). In this way we can reduce the strain in the myofilament compliance during the isometric tetanus (T(0)) from 3.54 nm in the control solution (T(0,NR)) to approximately 0.5 nm in 1 microM BTS, where T(0) is reduced to approximately 0.15 T(0,NR). The quick force recovery after a step release (1-3 nm per half-sarcomere) becomes faster with the increase of BTS concentration and the decrease of T(0). The simulation of quick force recovery with a multistate model of force generation, that adapts Huxley and Simmons model to account for both the high stiffness of the myosin motor (approximately 3 pN/nm) and the myofilament compliance, shows that the increase in the rate of quick force recovery by BTS is explained by the reduced strain in the myofilaments, consequent to the decrease in half-sarcomere force. The model estimates that i), for the same half-sarcomere release the state transition kinetics in the myosin motor are five times faster in the absence of filament compliance than in the control; and ii), the rate of force recovery from zero to T(0) is approximately 6000/s in the absence of filament compliance.

Effects of hyperthermia on ventilation and metabolism during hypoxia in conscious mice.

PubMed

Iwase, Michiko; Izumizaki, Masahiko; Kanamaru, Mitsuko; Homma, Ikuo

2004-02-01

Hyperthermia and hypoxia influence ventilation and metabolism; however, their synergistic effects remain unanswered. We hypothesized that an enhancement of ventilation induced by hyperthermia is competitive with hypoxic hypometabolism. We then examined the relationship of body temperature, hypoxia, and respiration in conscious mice, measuring minute ventilation (VE), aerobic metabolism, and arterial blood gases. All parameters were measured at two different body temperatures (BTs), approximately 37 degrees C (normothermia) and 39 degrees C (hyperthermia), under both normoxia (room air inhalation) and hypoxia (7% O2 inhalation). Under normoxia, VE and O2 consumption (VO2) were lower at hyperthermia than at normothermia, and the VE-VO2 ratio remained constant. PaCO2 values were normal at both BTs under normoxia. Hypoxic gas inhalation increased VE, which reached a peak in 2 min, then decreased at both BTs. VE remained at a higher level during hyperthermia than during normothermia throughout the 10 min experiment. VO2 decreased during hypoxia at both BTs. Hypoxia increased the VE-VO2 ratio because of relatively high VE with respect to the decreased VO2, which means hyperventilation. At hypoxia under hyperthermia, serious hyperventilation occurred with a further increase in VE. The augmented ventilation may be due to the thermal stimulus and a lowered thermoregulatory set point for hypoxia. Thus hyperthermia reduces ventilation and metabolism to maintain normocapnia; as a result, thermogenesis is reduced under normoxia. Hyperthermia augments hyperventilation induced by hypoxia, leading to severe hypoxic hypocapnia. Thermal stimuli may impair the adjustment of ventilation and metabolism when O2 is limited.

Effects of storage in different semen extenders on the pre-freezing and post-thawing quality of boar spermatozoa.

PubMed

Dziekońska, A; Zasiadczyk, Ł; Lecewicz, M; Strzeżek, R; Koziorowska-Gilun, M; Fraser, L; Mogielnicka-Brzozowska, M; Kordan, W

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of storage of semen in different commercial extenders on the pre-freezing and post-thawing quality of boar spermatozoa. Semen was diluted in BTS, Androhep (AH) and Gedil (GD), stored for 24 h at 17°C, and then frozen in accordance with the cryopreservation protocol. Analyses of the quality of spermatozoa included: motility, normal apical ridge (NAR) acrosome, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), measurements of ATP content and activity of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Prior to the freezing process, no significant effect of the extender on the sperm quality parameters was noted. After thawing the spermatozoa it was demonstrated that the type of extender used influenced PMI, MMP, ATP content and activity of GPx. In the AH extender the percentage of spermatozoa with PMI and ATP content in spermatozoa was significantly higher (P<0.05) as compared to the BTS or GD extenders. In addition, semen stored in the AH was characterised by a statistically higher (P<0.05) percentage of spermatozoa with MMP and increased activity of GPx as compared with the BTS. The results obtained indicate that for the cryopreservation process, boar spermatozoa stored for 24 hours in liquid state can be used. However, the type of extender used prior to freezing may have a significant effect on the post-thawing quality of the spermatozoa. The AH extender better secured the quality of thawed boar spermatozoa as compared with the BTS or GD.

Norwood with right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit is more effective than Norwood with Blalock-Taussig shunt for hypoplastic left heart syndrome: mathematic modeling of hemodynamics.

PubMed

Mroczek, Tomasz; Małota, Zbigniew; Wójcik, Elżbieta; Nawrat, Zbigniew; Skalski, Janusz

2011-12-01

The introduction of right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit in the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome resulted in a higher survival rate in many centers. A higher diastolic aortic pressure and a higher mean coronary perfusion pressure were suggested as the hemodynamic advantage of this source of pulmonary blood flow. The main objective of this study was the comparison of two models of Norwood physiology with different types of pulmonary blood flow sources and their hemodynamics. Based on anatomic details obtained from echocardiographic assessment and angiographic studies, two three-dimensional computer models of post-Norwood physiology were developed. The finite-element method was applied for computational hemodynamic simulations. Norwood physiology with RV-PA 5-mm conduit and Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) 3.5-mm shunt were compared. Right ventricle work, wall stress, flow velocity, shear rate stress, energy loss and turbulence eddy dissipation were analyzed in both models. The total work of the right ventricle after Norwood procedure with the 5-mm RV-PA conduit was lower in comparison to the 3.5-mm BTS while establishing an identical systemic blood flow. The Qp/Qs ratio was higher in the BTS group. Hemodynamic performance after Norwood with the RV-PA conduit is more effective than after Norwood with BTS. Computer simulations of complicated hemodynamics after the Norwood procedure could be helpful in establishing optimal post-Norwood physiology. Copyright © 2011 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bäcklund transformations for the Boussinesq equation and merging solitons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasin, Alexander G.; Schiff, Jeremy

2017-08-01

The Bäcklund transformation (BT) for the ‘good’ Boussinesq equation and its superposition principles are presented and applied. Unlike other standard integrable equations, the Boussinesq equation does not have a strictly algebraic superposition principle for 2 BTs, but it does for 3. We present this and discuss associated lattice systems. Applying the BT to the trivial solution generates both standard solitons and what we call ‘merging solitons’—solutions in which two solitary waves (with related speeds) merge into a single one. We use the superposition principles to generate a variety of interesting solutions, including superpositions of a merging soliton with 1 or 2 regular solitons, and solutions that develop a singularity in finite time which then disappears at a later finite time. We prove a Wronskian formula for the solutions obtained by applying a general sequence of BTs on the trivial solution. Finally, we obtain the standard conserved quantities of the Boussinesq equation from the BT, and show how the hierarchy of local symmetries follows in a simple manner from the superposition principle for 3 BTs.

Hydrography of Bahia Todos Santos, Baja California: Results of more than twenty five years of investigations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bustos-Serrano, H.; Canino-Herrera, S. R.; Morales-Chavez, R.; Martinez-Garcia, G. M.

2007-05-01

The first study of Bahia Todos Santos (BTS) was reported by Walton in 1955. We conducted oceanographic studies in BTS since 1979. The BTS has a connection with a coastal lagoon named Estero de Punta Banda (EPB), two islands at the western portion and the Port of Ensenada. The general hydrographic characteristics are: In winter the water became homogeneous, less saline (<33.4) and with low stability. During spring and summer a hydrographic structure of three layers is noticed. The deepest layer is composed of the southern California water mass with a relatively high salinity (>33.6) low temperature (13°C), low oxygen (~3mL L-1) and rich in nutrient concentration. The isothermal top layer has relatively high temperature (>17°C) and oxygen concentration (>6mL L-1). The intermediate transition layer (seasonal thermocline) has minimum salinity, maximum oxygen and high stability. During fall there is distribution of heat from the surface layer to the entire water column. The thermic waves propagate with decrease amplitude in ~3 months, from surface to bottom water. The California Current flow generally southward off the western United States and northern Mexico and is one of the major coastal upwelling of the word oceans. The upwelling events in BTS appear regularly at the SW portion and were typically characterized by an increase in pCO2, decrease of O2, increase of nutrients and a lower temperature. Upwelling activity increases surface nutrient availability causing rise in the primary productivity and hence increased zooplankton biomass. The annual upwelling event which had a maximum strength on May, the seasonal warming and cooling, and the water advection were the dominant modifying processes for the variability of seawater characteristics. Higher salinities are located close to the coastline and lower off the bay. The levels of oxygen, alkalinity, pH and chlorophyll indicate that the maximum concentration of phytoplankton is located at the center of the bay. The nitrification support the primary productivity and the NO3 levels were below detection limits; the N/P ratio in 2005 was from 10 to 25; and for 2006 was below 5. There is a net enrichment of anthropogenic nutrients at BTS. The heavy metals and pesticides studies started since the early 80's with problems still to solve for Tl, Cd. There is a net Pb enrichment and higher Cr concentrations at the NE of the bay. The EPB is a wetland ~7 Km. long located at the SE part of the BTS. The EPB is a net source of DIP (deltaDIP = +0.13 mmol m-2 day-1), that brings agricultural runoff to the BTS. It is typically a hypersaline system during summer and a net heterotrophic (p-r = -14 mmol m-2 day-1), and a net denitrifying (nfix-denit = -2.1 mmol m-2 day-1) system. Some anomalies were in 2005 the presence of a huge red tide observed inside BTS (about 50% of the bay) that last for more than six months, this HAB's has killed many fishes (anoxia) and marine mammals. The hydrographic conditions during the red tide were, temperature anomalies higher than 2°C above normal; high nutrient concentration above the normal. In 2006 the values were normal again. The Port of Ensenada, increased in size and activities (tourism, transportation, coastguards for national security, cement industry, research) these developments generate some management problems, like the beach and coastline modification. The aground of the APL Panama, activates the management agencies to prevent and control pollution.

A Framework to Assist Health Professionals in Recommending High-Quality Apps for Supporting Chronic Disease Self-Management: Illustrative Assessment of Type 2 Diabetes Apps.

PubMed

Hale, Kelli; Capra, Sandra; Bauer, Judith

2015-09-14

This paper presents an approach to assist health professionals in recommending high quality apps for supporting chronic disease self-management. Most app reviews focus on popularity, aesthetics, functionality, usability, and information quality. There is no doubt these factors are important in selecting trustworthy apps which are appealing to users, but behavioral theory may be also be useful in matching the apps to user needs. The framework developed aims to be methodologically sound, capable of selecting popular apps which include content covered by evidence-based programs, consistent with behavioral theory, as well as a patient-centered approach for matching apps to patients' individual needs. A single disease-type 2 diabetes-was selected to illustrate how the framework can be applied as this was deemed to represent the types of strategies used in many chronic diseases. A systematic approach based on behavioral theory and recommendations from best practice guidelines was developed for matching apps to patients' needs. In March 2014, a series of search strategies was used to identify top-rated iPhone and Android health apps, representing 29 topics from five categories of type 2 diabetes self-management strategies. The topics were chosen from published international guidelines for the management of diabetes. The senior author (KH) assessed the most popular apps found that addressed these topics using the Behavioral Theory Content Survey (BTS), which is based on traditional behavioral theory. A tool to assist decision making when using apps was developed and trialed with health professionals for ease of use and understanding. A total of 14 apps were assessed representing all five topic categories of self-management. Total theoretical scores (BTS scores) were less than 50 on a 100-point scale for all apps. Each app scored less than 50% of the total possible BTS score for all four behavioral theories and for most of the 20 behavioral strategies; however, apps scored higher than 50% of the total possible BTS score for specific strategies related to their primary focus. Our findings suggest that the apps studied would be more effective when used in conjunction with therapy than as stand-alone apps. Apps were categorized according to topic and core intervention strategies. A framework for matching apps to identified patient needs was developed based on app categorization and principles of patient-centered care. The approach was well accepted and understood by a convenience sample of health practitioners. The framework presented can be used by health practitioners to better match apps with client needs. Some apps incorporate highly interactive strategies of behavioral theory, and when used as an adjunct may increase patient participation and the effectiveness of therapy.

The Ability of AMSTAR Dechlorination Solution to Remove and Degrade PCBs from Contaminated Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quinn, Jacqueline E.

2006-01-01

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic aromatic compounds with the general formula C12H(10-x)Cl(-x) that were historically used in industrial paints, caulking material and adhesives, as their properties enhanced structural integrity, reduced flammability and boosted antifungal properties. Although the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has banned the manufacture of PCBs since 1979, they have been found in at least 500 of the 1,598 National Priorities List (Superfund) sites identified by the USEPA. Prior to the US EPA's ban on PCB production, PCBs were commonly used as additives in paints and asphalt-based adhesives that were subsequently applied to a variety of structures. Government facilities constructed as early as 1930 utilized PCB-containing binders or PCB-containing paints, which are now leaching into the environment and posing ecological and worker health concerns. In 2006, a commercially available product known as AMSTAR Dechlorination Solution was tested at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for its ability to remove and degrade PCBs from structural materials. This evaluation was requested by the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) evaluating the ability of NASA's Bimetallic Treatment System (BTS) to remove and degrade PCBs from structural materials. The results of the laboratory testing are to be used to determine if a side-by-side field-scale test comparing BTS to AMSTAR was warranted. A recommended sampling and analysis testing program was submitted to ESTCP that included triplicate screening of AMSTAR's PCB dechlorination capabilities on a variety of surfaces including glass, bare metal, and painted metal coupons. The test procedures, analytical techniques and results obtained are presented in this interim report to ESTCP.

Endoscopic stenting as bridge-to-surgery (BTS) in left-sided obstructing colorectal cancer: Experience with conformable stents.

PubMed

Parodi, Andrea; De Ceglie, Antonella; De Luca, Luca; Conigliaro, Rita; Naspetti, Riccardo; Arpe, Paola; Coccia, Gianni; Conio, Massimo

2016-11-01

Compared to emergency surgery, self-expandable metallic stents are effective and safe when used as bridge-to-surgery (BTS) in operable patients with acute colorectal cancer obstruction. In this study, we report data on the new conformable colonic stents. To evaluate clinical effectiveness of conformable stents as BTS in patients with acute colorectal cancer obstruction. This was a retrospective study. The study was conducted at six Italian Endoscopic Units. Data about patients with acute malignant colorectal obstruction were collected between 2007 and 2012. All patients were treated with conformable stents as BTS. Technical success, clinical success, rate of primary anastomosis and colostomy, early and late complications were evaluated. Data about 88 patients (62 males) were reviewed in this study. Conformable SEMS were correctly deployed in 86 out of 88 patients, with resolution of obstruction in all treated patients. Tumor resection with primary anastomosis was possible in all patients. A temporary colostomy was performed in 40. Early complications did not occur. Late complications occurred in 11 patients. Stent migration was significantly higher in patients treated with partially-covered stents compared to the uncovered group (35% vs. 0%, P<0.001). Endoscopical re-intervention was required in 12% of patients. One patient with rectal cancer had an anastomotic dehiscence after surgery and he was successfully treated with endoscopic clipping. One year after surgery, all patients were alive and local recurrence have not been documented. This was a retrospective and uncontrolled study. Preliminary data from this large case series are encouraging, with a high rate of technical and clinical success and low rate of clinically relevant complications. Partially-covered SEMS should be avoided in order to reduce the risk of endoscopic re-intervention. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

The minimal carcinoma triple stain is superior to commercially available multiplex immunohistochemical stains: breast triple stain and LC/DC breast cocktail.

PubMed

Ginter, Paula S; Varma, Sonal; Liu, Yi-Fang; Shin, Sandra J

2015-12-01

The Minimal Carcinoma (MC) Triple Stain is a tri-chromogen multiplex immunostain (CK7, p63, and E-cadherin) helpful in classifying morphologically ambiguous and/or small carcinomas as either ductal or lobular and/or in situ or invasive. We compared the utility of this stain with two commercially available duplex/multiplex immunostains: Breast Triple Stain (BTS) (Clarient, Aliso Viejo, CA; CK5, p63, and CK8/18) and LC/DC Breast Cocktail (LCDC) (Biocare, Concord, CA; E-cadherin and p120). Ninety-seven mammary carcinomas stained with the MC Triple Stain, BTS, and LCDC were compared. The MC Triple Stain, LCDC, and BTS were diagnostic in 90 (93%) of 97, 82 (85%) of 97, and 85 (88%) of 97 of cases, respectively. All stains showed decreased diagnostic utility due to variability in tissue integrity, quality of the staining, and/or ease of interpretation. In cases where all immunostains were interpretable, the MC Triple Stain yielded the most information. When technically sufficient, all three immunostains demonstrated relative strengths and weaknesses in their ability to provide diagnostic information with the highest consistency and ease of use. Many cases stained with LCDC were technically insufficient due to a suboptimal staining protocol provided by the company. Overall, the MC Triple Stain outperformed BTS and LCDC by more consistently providing more diagnostic information. The MC Triple Stain is a viable alternative to other multiplex immunostains in evaluating small foci of carcinoma, particularly when both the histologic type and extent of disease (in situ vs invasive) require clarification. Copyright© by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Biotechnology Science Experiments on Mir

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kroes, Roger L.

1999-01-01

This paper describes the microgravity biotechnology experiments carried out on the Shuttle/Mir program. Four experiments investigated the growth of protein crystals, and three investigated cellular growth. Many hundreds of protein samples were processed using four different techniques. The objective of these experiments was to determine optimum conditions for the growth of very high quality single crystals to be used for structure determination. The Biotechnology System (BTS) was used to process the three cell growth investigations. The samples processed by these experiments were: bovine chondrocytes, human renal epithelial cells, and human breast cancer cells and endothelial cells. The objective was to determine the unique properties of cell aggregates produced in the microgravity environment.

Composition and source of butyltins in sediments of Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Cheng-Di; Chen, Chih-Feng; Chen, Chiu-Wen

2015-04-01

Fifty-eight sediment samples were collected from the Kaohsiung Harbor (Taiwan) for analyses of monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and tributyltin (TBT), using gas chromatography/flame photometric detector (GC/FPD). The concentration of total butyltins (ΣBTs), sum of MBT, DBT, and TBT, varied from 3.9 to 158.5 ng Sn/g dw in sediment samples with TBT being the major component of the sediment samples, except for the vicinity of the Love River mouth where MBT was the most abundant BT compound (a proportion of over 57%). Based on the BTs concentration, distribution, composition and correlations, the sources of BTs found in harbor sediments are shipping activities, and TBT is the main pollutant; the estuary (i.e. Love River) has been the anthropogenic source of MBT from upstream inputs. Influences of TBT on aquatic organisms are evaluated using the toxicity guidelines proposed by the US EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) and the ACCI (assessment class criterion for imposex) proposed by OSPAR (Oslo and Paris Commission). The evaluation shows that the TBT contained in the sediment at Kaohsiung Harbor is likely to have a negative influence at ACCI class C because gastropods present imposex and TBT levels are above ecotoxicological assessment criteria (EAC) limits.

Management of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in adult solid organ transplant recipients - BCSH and BTS Guidelines.

PubMed

Parker, Anne; Bowles, Kristin; Bradley, J Andrew; Emery, Vincent; Featherstone, Carrie; Gupte, Girish; Marcus, Robert; Parameshwar, Jayan; Ramsay, Alan; Newstead, Charles

2010-06-01

A joint working group established by the Haemato-oncology subgroup of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) and the British Transplantation Society (BTS) has reviewed the available literature and made recommendations for the diagnosis and management of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in adult recipients of solid organ transplants. This review details the therapeutic options recommended including reduction in immunosuppression (RIS), transplant organ resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Effective therapy should be instituted before progressive disease results in declining performance status and multi-organ dysfunction. The goal of treatment should be a durable complete remission with retention of transplanted organ function with minimal toxicity.

TU-F-CAMPUS-T-05: Dose Escalation to Biological Tumor Volumes of Prostate Cancer Patients Using Gold Nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jermoumi, M; Ngwa, W; Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Insitute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical, Boston, MA

2015-06-15

Purpose: Studies have shown that radiation boosting could help reduce prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence. Biological tumor volumes (BTV) are a high priority for such radiation boosting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of radiation boosting of real patient BTVs using gold nanoparticles (GNP) released from gold-loaded brachytherapy spacers (GBS) during brachytherapy. Methods: The BTVs of 12 patients having prostate adenocarcinoma identified with positron emission tomography (PET) and CT scanner using C-11 labeled tracer [11C]acetate were investigated. The initial GNP concentration and time to achieve a dose enhancement effect (DEF) of 2 was simulated using the freelymore » downloadable software RAID APP. The investigations were carried out for low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy sources (BTS) described in AAPM Task Group report 43: Cs-131, I-125, and Pd-103. In first case, we used 7 mg/g and 18 mg/g of GNP initial concentrations to estimate the time needed for released GNP to achieve a DEF of 2 for the different BTS, and compare with clinically relevant treatment times. In second case, we calculated the initial concentration of GNPs needed to achieve a DEF of 2 during the time the BTS would typically deliver 50%, 70% and 90% of the total dose. Results: For an initial concentration of 18 mg/g, when using Cs-131, and Pd-103, a DEF of 2 could only be achieved for BTV of 3.3 cm3 and 1 cm3 respectively. Meanwhile a DEF of 2 could be achieved for all 12 BTVs when using I-125. To achieve a DEF of 2 for all patients using Cs-131 and Pd-103, much higher initial concentrations would have to be used than have been typically employed in pre-clinical studies. Conclusion: The I-125 is the most viable BTS that can be employed with GBS to guide dose painting treatment planning for localized PCa.« less

A prospective multicenter study on self-expandable metallic stents as a bridge to surgery for malignant colorectal obstruction in Japan: efficacy and safety in 312 patients.

PubMed

Saito, Shuji; Yoshida, Shuntaro; Isayama, Hiroyuki; Matsuzawa, Takeaki; Kuwai, Toshio; Maetani, Iruru; Shimada, Mamoru; Yamada, Tomonori; Tomita, Masafumi; Koizumi, Koichi; Hirata, Nobuto; Kanazawa, Hideki; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Sekido, Hitoshi; Saida, Yoshihisa

2016-09-01

Endoscopic stenting with a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) is a widely accepted procedure for malignant colonic obstruction. The Colonic Stent Safe Procedure Research Group conducted the present prospective feasibility study. Our objectives were to estimate the safety and feasibility of SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery (BTS) for malignant colorectal obstruction. We conducted a prospective, observational, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial from March 2012 to October 2013. Each patient was treated with an uncovered WallFlex enteral colonic stent. Patients were followed up until discharge after surgery. A total of 518 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study. The cohort intended for BTS consisted of 312 patients (61 %), and the stent could be released in 305 patients. Technical and clinical success rates were 98 and 92 %, respectively. Elective surgery was performed in 297 patients, and emergency surgery was performed in eight patients for the treatment of complications. The overall preoperative complication rate was 7.2 %. Major complications, including perforation, occurred in 1.6 %, persistent colonic obstruction occurred in 1.0 %, and stent migration occurred in 1.3 % patients. The median time from SEMS to surgery was 16 days. Silent perforations were observed in 1.3 %. Open and laparoscopic surgery was performed in 121 and 184 patients, respectively. The tumor could be resected in 297 patients. The primary anastomosis rate was 92 %. The rate of anastomotic leakage was 4 %, and the overall stoma creation rate was 10 %. The median duration of hospitalization following surgery was 12 days. Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 16 and 0.7 %, respectively. This largest, multicenter, prospective study demonstrates the feasibility of SEMS placement as a BTS for malignant colorectal obstruction. SEMS serves as a safe and effective BTS with acceptable stoma creation and complication rates in patients with acute malignant colonic obstruction.

Response to capacitating stimuli indicates extender-related differences in boar sperm function.

PubMed

Schmid, S; Henning, H; Petrunkina, A M; Weitze, K F; Waberski, D

2013-10-01

Spermatozoa, especially those of the porcine species, are highly susceptible to in vitro chilling and ageing. Extenders are continuously developed to protect boar spermatozoa from chilling injury. New semen extenders and other modified preservation strategies require sensitive testing for essential sperm functions. The key process on the pathway of fertilization is capacitation. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the specific response to capacitating stimuli is sensitive enough to indicate different preservation capacities of extenders during hypothermic storage of boar spermatozoa. Semen was diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) and Androstar Plus and kept for 3 h at 22°C or stored at 17°C, 10°C, and 5°C. Semen was analyzed at 24 and 96 h of storage. Motility and membrane integrity remained at high levels, except for lower values when stored in BTS at 5°C. Washed subsamples were incubated in capacitating medium (Tyrode) and control medium and were assessed for intracellular calcium concentration and integrity of plasma membranes using a flow cytometer. On the basis of the loss of low-calcium live cells in a kinetic approach, the specific response to capacitation stimuli was determined. There was a higher loss of response in semen stored hypothermically in the standard extender BTS compared to Androstar Plus. Assessment of the extent of phospholipid disorder under capacitating and control conditions by use of merocyanine staining did not reveal any significant extender-related differences. A field insemination trial with 778 sows was performed to relate in vitro results to fertility. Fertility parameters did not differ in semen stored up to 48 h at 10°C in Androstar Plus compared to controls stored at 17°C in BTS. In conclusion, assessment of specific reactivity to capacitating stimuli appears to be a sensitive tool for detection of extender-dependent alterations in functionality of chilled boar spermatozoa.

Effects of thermal maturation and thermochemical sulfate reduction on compound-specific sulfur isotopic compositions of organosulfur compounds in Phosphoria oils from the Bighorn Basin, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ellis, Geoffrey S.; Said-Ahamed, Ward; Lillis, Paul G.; Shawar, Lubna; Amrani, Alon

2017-01-01

Compound-specific sulfur isotope analysis was applied to a suite of 18 crude oils generated from the Permian Phosphoria Formation in the Bighorn Basin, western USA. These oils were generated at various levels of thermal maturity and some experienced thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). This is the first study to examine the effects of thermal maturation on stable sulfur isotopic compositions of individual organosulfur compounds (OSCs) in crude oil. A general trend of 34S enrichment in all of the studied compounds with increasing thermal maturity was observed, with the δ34S values of alkyl-benzothiophenes (BTs) tending to be enriched in 34S relative to those of the alkyl-dibenzothiophenes (DBTs) in lower-maturity oils. As thermal maturity increases, δ34S values of both BTs and DBTs become progressively heavier, but the difference in the average δ34S value of the BTs and DBTs (Δ34S BT-DBT) decreases. Differences in the isotopic response to thermal stress exhibited by these two compound classes are considered to be the result of relative differences in their thermal stabilities. TSR-altered Bighorn Basin oils have OSCs that are generally enriched in 34S relative to non-TSR-altered oils, with the BTs being enriched in 34S relative to the DBTs, similar to the findings of previous studies. However, several oils that were previously interpreted to have been exposed to minor TSR have Δ34S BT-DBT values that do not support this interpretation. The δ34S values of the BTs and DBTs in some of these oils suggest that they did not experience TSR, but were derived from a more thermally mature source. The heaviest δ34S values observed in the OSCs are enriched in 34S by up to 10‰ relative to that of Permian anhydrite in the Bighorn Basin, suggesting that there may be an alternate or additional source of sulfate in some parts of the basin. These results indicate that the sulfur isotopic composition of OSCs in oil provides a sensitive indicator for the extent of TSR, which cannot be determined from other bulk geochemical parameters. Moreover, when combined with additional geochemical and geologic evidence, the sulfur isotopic composition of OSCs in oils can help to identify the source of sulfate for TSR alteration in petroleum reservoirs.

Linking behavioural syndromes and cognition: a behavioural ecology perspective.

PubMed

Sih, Andrew; Del Giudice, Marco

2012-10-05

With the exception of a few model species, individual differences in cognition remain relatively unstudied in non-human animals. One intriguing possibility is that variation in cognition is functionally related to variation in personality. Here, we review some examples and present hypotheses on relationships between personality (or behavioural syndromes) and individual differences in cognitive style. Our hypotheses are based largely on a connection between fast-slow behavioural types (BTs; e.g. boldness, aggressiveness, exploration tendency) and cognitive speed-accuracy trade-offs. We also discuss connections between BTs, cognition and ecologically important aspects of decision-making, including sampling, impulsivity, risk sensitivity and choosiness. Finally, we introduce the notion of cognition syndromes, and apply ideas from theories on adaptive behavioural syndromes to generate predictions on cognition syndromes.

Pleural procedures and patient safety: a national BTS audit of practice.

PubMed

Hooper, Clare E; Welham, Sally A; Maskell, Nick A

2015-02-01

The BTS pleural procedures audit collected data over a 2-month period in June and July 2011. In contrast with the 2010 audit, which focussed simply on chest drain insertions, data on all pleural aspirations and local anaesthetic thoracoscopy (LAT) was also collected. Ninety hospitals submitted data, covering a patient population of 33 million. Twenty-one per cent of centres ran a specialist pleural disease clinic, 71% had a nominated chest drain safety lead, and 20% had thoracic surgery on site. Additionally, one-third of centres had a physician-led LAT service. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

GTA Welding Research and Development for Plutonium Containment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sessions, C.E.

2002-02-21

This paper discusses the development of two welding systems that are used to contain actinide metals and oxides for long term storage. The systems are termed the bagless transfer system (BTS) and the outer container welder (OCW) system. The BTS is so named because it permits the containment of actinides without a polymeric package (i.e., bag). The development of these two systems was directed by Department of Energy Standard 3013, hereafter referred to as DOE 3013. This document defines the product and container requirements. In addition, it references national codes and standards for leak rates, ANSI N14.5, and design, Americanmore » Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII (BandPVC).« less

Exploiting Phase Diversity for CDMA2000 1X Smart Antenna Base Stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seongdo; Hyeon, Seungheon; Choi, Seungwon

2004-12-01

A performance analysis of an access channel decoder is presented which exploits a diversity gain due to the independent magnitude of received signals energy at each of the antenna elements of a smart-antenna base-station transceiver subsystem (BTS) operating in CDMA2000 1X signal environment. The objective is to enhance the data retrieval at cellsite during the access period, for which the optimal weight vector of the smart antenna BTS is not available. It is shown in this paper that the access channel decoder proposed in this paper outperforms the conventional one, which is based on a single antenna channel in terms of detection probability of access probe, access channel failure probability, and Walsh-code demodulation performance.

The vertical pattern of microwave radiation around BTS (Base Transceiver Station) antennae in Hashtgerd township.

PubMed

Nasseri, Simin; Monazzam, Mohammadreza; Beheshti, Meisam; Zare, Sajad; Mahvi, Amirhosein

2013-12-20

New environmental pollutants interfere with the environment and human life along with technology development. One of these pollutants is electromagnetic field. This study determines the vertical microwave radiation pattern of different types of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) antennae in the Hashtgerd city as the capital of Savojbolagh County, Alborz Province of Iran. The basic data including the geographical location of the BTS antennae in the city, brand, operator type, installation and its height was collected from radio communication office, and then the measurements were carried out according to IEEE STD 95. 1 by the SPECTRAN 4060. The statistical analyses were carried out by SPSS16 using Kolmogorov Smirnov test and multiple regression method. Results indicated that in both operators of Irancell and Hamrah-e-Aval (First Operator), the power density rose with an increase in measurement height or decrease in the vertical distance of broadcaster antenna. With mix model test, a significant statistical relationship was observed between measurement height and the average power density in both types of the operators. With increasing measuring height, power density increased in both operators. The study showed installing antennae in a crowded area needs more care because of higher radiation emission. More rigid surfaces and mobile users are two important factors in crowded area that can increase wave density and hence raise public microwave exposure.

Spatiotemporal distribution and risk assessment of organotins in the surface water of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, China.

PubMed

Gao, Jun-Min; Wu, Lei; Chen, You-Peng; Zhou, Bin; Guo, Jin-Song; Zhang, Ke; Ouyang, Wen-Juan

2017-03-01

The water quality security of the Three Gorges Reservoir during different operating periods has been a subject of recent concern. This study is the first to report the spatiotemporal variability of organotins (OTs) in surface water under dynamic water level conditions in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region (TGRR). TGRR surface water was collected during three monitoring campaigns to analyze butyltins (BTs) and phenyltins (PTs) using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system. Our results showed that TGRR surface water was polluted by BTs and PTs, with mono-OTs being the dominant species. A wide range of BTs and PTs concentrations was observed across the study area, but tributyltin (TBT) displayed extensive spatial distribution, and the highest concentrations consistently occurred in the downstream region of the TGRR study area, with a maximum of 393.35 ng Sn/L in Zigui (S27). The total OTs contamination level decreased over time. The diphenyltin concentration exhibited significant seasonal variation, while other OTs showed seasonal changes only during two monitoring campaigns, with the exception of dibutyltin. An ecological risk assessment indicated that both TBT and triphenyltin posed risks to aquatic organisms in TGRR surface water. We urgently recommend continuous monitoring and further measures to prevent and control OTs pollution in the TGRR. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Case study of a non-destructive treatment method for the remediation of military structures containing polychlorinated biphenyl contaminated paint.

PubMed

Saitta, Erin K H; Gittings, Michael J; Novaes-Card, Simone; Quinn, Jacqueline; Clausen, Christian; O'Hara, Suzanne; Yestrebsky, Cherie L

2015-08-01

Restricted by federal regulations and limited remediation options, buildings contaminated with paint laden with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have high costs associated with the disposal of hazardous materials. As opposed to current remediation methods which are often destructive and a risk to the surrounding environment, this study suggests a non-metal treatment system (NMTS) and a bimetallic treatment system (BTS) as versatile remediation options for painted industrial structures including concrete buildings, and metal machine parts. In this field study, four areas of a discontinued Department of Defense site were treated and monitored over 3 weeks. PCB levels in paint and treatment system samples were analyzed through gas chromatography/electron capture detection (GC-ECD). PCB concentrations were reduced by 95 percent on painted concrete and by 60-97 percent on painted metal with the majority of the PCB removal occurring within the first week of application. Post treatment laboratory studies including the utilization of an activated metal treatment system (AMTS) further degraded PCBs in BTS and NMTS by up to 82 percent and 99 percent, respectively, indicating that a two-step remediation option is viable. These findings demonstrate that the NMTS and BTS can be an effective, nondestructive, remediation process for large painted structures, allowing for the reuse or sale of remediated materials that otherwise may have been disposed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kinematic analysis of motor strategies in frail aged adults during the Timed Up and Go: how to spot the motor frailty?

PubMed Central

Hassani, Asma; Kubicki, Alexandre; Brost, Vincent; Mourey, France; Yang, Fan

2015-01-01

Objective The purpose of this work was to analyze and compare the movement kinematics of sit-to-stand (STS) and back-to-sit (BTS) transfers between frail aged adults and young subjects, as well as to determine the relationship between kinematic changes and functional capacities. Methods We analyzed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) movements by using a 3D movement analysis system for real-time balance assessment in frail elderly. Ten frail aged adults (frail group [FG]) and ten young subjects (young group [YG]) performed the TUG. Seven spatiotemporal parameters were extracted and compared between the two groups. Moreover, these parameters were plotted with TUG test duration. Results The experiments revealed that there were significant differences between FG and YG in trunk angle during both STS and BTS, and in TUG duration. The trunk angle of the young subjects was more than two times higher than that of the FG. As expected, the TUG duration was higher in the FG than in YG. Trunk angles during both transfers were the most different parameters between the groups. However, the BTS trunk angle and STS ratio were more linked to functional capacities. Conclusion There was a relationship between kinematic changes, representing the motor planning strategies, and physical frailty in these aged adults. These changes should be taken into account in clinical practice. PMID:25759570

The vertical pattern of microwave radiation around BTS (Base Transceiver Station) antennae in Hashtgerd township

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

New environmental pollutants interfere with the environment and human life along with technology development. One of these pollutants is electromagnetic field. This study determines the vertical microwave radiation pattern of different types of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) antennae in the Hashtgerd city as the capital of Savojbolagh County, Alborz Province of Iran. The basic data including the geographical location of the BTS antennae in the city, brand, operator type, installation and its height was collected from radio communication office, and then the measurements were carried out according to IEEE STD 95. 1 by the SPECTRAN 4060. The statistical analyses were carried out by SPSS16 using Kolmogorov Smirnov test and multiple regression method. Results indicated that in both operators of Irancell and Hamrah-e-Aval (First Operator), the power density rose with an increase in measurement height or decrease in the vertical distance of broadcaster antenna. With mix model test, a significant statistical relationship was observed between measurement height and the average power density in both types of the operators. With increasing measuring height, power density increased in both operators. The study showed installing antennae in a crowded area needs more care because of higher radiation emission. More rigid surfaces and mobile users are two important factors in crowded area that can increase wave density and hence raise public microwave exposure. PMID:24359870

National transportation statistics 2011

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-04-01

Compiled and published by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics : (BTS), National Transportation Statistics presents information on the U.S. transportation system, including : its physical components, safety reco...

National transportation statistics 2005

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-12-01

Compiled and published by the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau of : Transportation Statistics (BTS), National Transportation Statistics 2004 presents : information on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, : sa...

National transportation statistics 2006

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-12-01

Compiled and published by the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau of : Transportation Statistics (BTS), National Transportation Statistics 2006 presents : information on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, : sa...

National Transportation Statistics 2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-21

Compiled and published by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), National Transportation Statistics presents information on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, safety record, ...

National transportation statistics 2004

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-01

Compiled and published by the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau of : Transportation Statistics (BTS), National Transportation Statistics 2004 presents : information on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, : sa...

State Transportation Statistics 2013

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-09-19

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportations (USDOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), presents State Transportation Statistics 2013, a statistical profile of transportatio...

Transportation statistics annual report 1999

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) presents the sixth : Transportation Statistics Annual Report. Mandated by Congress, the report : discusses the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, : economic performance, safety...

State Transportation Statistics 2012

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-15

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), presents State Transportation Statistics 2012, a statistical profile of transportation ...

National Transportation Statistics 2007

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-04-12

Compiled and published by the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), National Transportation Statistics presents information on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, safety record...

National Transportation Statistics 2008

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-08

Compiled and published by the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), National Transportation Statistics presents information on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, safety record...

10 CFR 431.85 - Materials incorporated by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (GAMA) merged in 2008 with the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute to become the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The Hydronics Institute BTS-2000 Testing Standard...

10 CFR 431.85 - Materials incorporated by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... (GAMA) merged in 2008 with the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute to become the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The Hydronics Institute BTS-2000 Testing Standard...

10 CFR 431.85 - Materials incorporated by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... (GAMA) merged in 2008 with the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute to become the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The Hydronics Institute BTS-2000 Testing Standard...

10 CFR 431.85 - Materials incorporated by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... (GAMA) merged in 2008 with the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute to become the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The Hydronics Institute BTS-2000 Testing Standard...

10 CFR 431.85 - Materials incorporated by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... (GAMA) merged in 2008 with the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute to become the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The Hydronics Institute BTS-2000 Testing Standard...

Rotation of Boar Semen Doses During Storage Affects Sperm Quality.

PubMed

Schulze, M; Rüdiger, K; Waberski, D

2015-08-01

It is common practice to rotate boar semen doses during storage for prevention of sperm sedimentation. In this study, the effect of rotation of boar semen doses during storage on sperm quality was investigated. Manual turning twice daily and automatic rotation five times per hour resulted in the following effects: alkalinization of the BTS-extender, loss of membrane integrity at day 3, and loss of motility and changes in sperm kinematics during a thermoresistance test at day 5. Using a pH-stabilized variant of BTS extender, sperm motility and velocity decreased in continuously rotated samples, whereas membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity remain unaffected. It is concluded that rotation of semen samples adversely affects sperm quality and, therefore, should no longer be recommended for AI practice. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Linking behavioural syndromes and cognition: a behavioural ecology perspective

PubMed Central

Sih, Andrew; Del Giudice, Marco

2012-01-01

With the exception of a few model species, individual differences in cognition remain relatively unstudied in non-human animals. One intriguing possibility is that variation in cognition is functionally related to variation in personality. Here, we review some examples and present hypotheses on relationships between personality (or behavioural syndromes) and individual differences in cognitive style. Our hypotheses are based largely on a connection between fast–slow behavioural types (BTs; e.g. boldness, aggressiveness, exploration tendency) and cognitive speed–accuracy trade-offs. We also discuss connections between BTs, cognition and ecologically important aspects of decision-making, including sampling, impulsivity, risk sensitivity and choosiness. Finally, we introduce the notion of cognition syndromes, and apply ideas from theories on adaptive behavioural syndromes to generate predictions on cognition syndromes. PMID:22927575

Field Trial on a Rack-mounted DC Power Supply System with 80-Ah Lithium-ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushima, Toshio

Using an industrial lithium-ion battery that has higher energy density than conventional valve-regulated lead-acid batteries, a rack-mounted DC-power-supply system was assembled and tested at a base transceiver station (BTS) offering actual services. A nominal output voltage and maximum output current of the system is 53.5V and 20A, respectively. An 80-Ah lithium-ion battery composed of 13 cells connected in series was applied in the system and maintained in a floating charge method. The DC-power-supply system was installed in a 19-inch power rack in the telecommunications equipment box at BTS. The characteristics of the 80Ah lithium-ion battery, specifications of the DC-power-supply system and field-test results were shown in this paper.

Effect of vibration emissions during shipping of artificial insemination doses on boar semen quality.

PubMed

Schulze, M; Bortfeldt, R; Schäfer, J; Jung, M; Fuchs-Kittowski, F

2018-05-01

The shipping of semen doses to sow farms can impair boar semen quality. Unfortunately, there is currently no practice-oriented information available regarding general shipping conditions of boar semen. For this reason, a special mobile sensing app (TransportLog 1.0), utilizing the built-in sensors of smartphones, has been programmed to capture vibration emissions during shipping of semen doses (QuickTip Flexitubes®, Minitüb). Data were analyzed, transformed and used as standards for simulating vibration emissions from an orbital shaker IKA MTS 4 (Laborgeräte München) in a spermatological reference laboratory. Twenty ejaculates were collected randomly and diluted using a one-step isothermal process in a split-sample procedure in Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS, Minitüb). The sperm concentration was adjusted to 24 × 10 6 sperm/mL. The dose filling volume was 85 ± 1 mL. Samples were stored for seven days at 17 °C. The results showed that circular horizontal vibration emissions with frequencies of 300 rpm for a duration of 6 h led to a significant alkalization of the BTS-extended semen. Semen motility, mitochondrial activity, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity as well as thermo-resistance all demonstrated a frequency-dependent negative response to vibration emissions during long-term storage. This study leads to new insights and recommendations for the shipping of boar semen in the artificial insemination industry. Furthermore, a new monitoring tool for boar semen shipping was established using mobile sensing. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

National transportation statistics 2000

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-13

Compiled and published by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), U.S. Department of Transportation, National Transportation Statistics 2000 presents information on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, safety reco...

National transportation statistics 2003

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-03-01

Compiled and published by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), U.S. : Department of Transportation, National Transportation Statistics 2002 presents : information on the U.S. transportation system1, including its physical components, : safe...

National transportation statistics 2002

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-12-01

Compiled and published by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), U.S. : Department of Transportation, National Transportation Statistics 2002 presents : information on the U.S. transportation system1, including its physical components, : safe...

National Transportation Statistics 2000

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-04-01

Compiled and published by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), U.S. Department of Transportation, National Transportation Statistics 2000 presents information on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, safety reco...

Transportation statistics annual report 2005

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-11-01

In this edition of the Transportation Statistics Annual Report, the Bureau : of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation, : Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), : focuses on transportation indicato...

State transportation statistics 2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOTs Research and : Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), presents State Transportation : Statistics 2009, a statistical profile of transportation in the 50 states and the : District ...

Maritime trade & transportation 1999

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-01-01

The marine transportation system contributes to U.S. economic growth, enhances global competitiveness, and supports national security objectives. This report is a cooperative effort of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the Maritime Admin...

Transportation statistics annual report 2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

The Transportation Statistics Annual Report (TSAR) presents data and information selected by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a component of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT's) Research and Innovative Technology Administra...

Transportation statistics annual report 2010

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

The Transportation Statistics Annual Report (TSAR) presents data and information compiled by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a component of the U.S. Department of Transportations (USDOTs) Research and Innovative Technology Admini...

State transportation statistics 2008

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportations : Research and Innovative Technology Administration, presents State Transportation : Statistics 2008, a statistical profi le of transportation in the 5...

Low-frequency bias tone suppression of auditory-nerve responses to low-level clicks and tones.

PubMed

Nam, Hui; Guinan, John J

2016-11-01

We used low-frequency "bias" tones (BT's) to explore whether click and tone responses are affected in the same way by cochlear active processes. In nonlinear systems the responses to clicks are not always simply related to the responses to tones. Cochlear amplifier gain depends on the incremental slope of the outer-hair-cell (OHC) stereocilia mechano-electric transduction (MET) function. BTs transiently change the operating-point of OHC MET channels and can suppress cochlear-amplifier gain by pushing OHC METs into low-slope saturation regions. BT effects on single auditory-nerve (AN) fibers have been studied on tone responses but not on click responses. We recorded from AN fibers in anesthetized cats and compared tone and click responses using 50 Hz BTs at 70-120 dB SPL to manipulate OHC stereocilia position. BTs can also excite and thereby obscure the BT suppression. We measured AN-fiber response synchrony to BTs alone so that we could exclude suppression measurements when the BT synchrony might obscure the suppression. BT suppression of low-level tone and click responses followed the traditional pattern of twice-a-BT-cycle suppression with more suppression at one phase than the other. The major suppression phases of most fibers were tightly grouped with little difference between click and tone suppressions, which is consistent with low-level click and tone responses being amplified in the same way. The data are also consistent with the operating point of the OHC MET function varying smoothly from symmetric in the base to offset in the apex, and, in contrast, with the IHC MET function being offset throughout the cochlea. As previously reported, bias-tones presented alone excited AN fibers at one or more phases, a phenomena termed "peak splitting" with most BT excitation phases ∼¼ cycle before or after the major suppression phase. We explain peak splitting as being due to distortion in multiple fluid drives to inner-hair-cell stereocilia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Practice organisational characteristics can impact on compliance with the BTS/SIGN asthma guideline: qualitative comparative case study in primary care.

PubMed

Wiener-Ogilvie, Sharon; Huby, Guro; Pinnock, Hilary; Gillies, John; Sheikh, Aziz

2008-06-04

Although the BTS-SIGN asthma guideline is one of the most well known and widely respected guidelines in the world, implementation in UK primary care remains patchy. Building on extensive earlier descriptive work, we sought to explore the way teamwork and inter-professional relationships impact on the implementation of the BTS-SIGN guideline on asthma in general practice. Qualitative comparative case study using nine in-depth interviews and 2 focus groups with general practitioners and practice nurses, involved in delivering asthma care. Participants were purposively recruited from practices in a Scottish health board with high and low compliance with the BTS-SIGN asthma guideline. There was a marked difference in the way respondents from practices with high compliance and respondents from practices with low compliance spoke about the value of guidelines and the challenges of implementing them. On both accounts, the former were more positive than the latter and were able to be more specific about the strategies they used to overcome barriers to implementation. We explored the reason for this difference in response and identified practice organisation, centring on delegation of work to nurses, as a factor mediating the practice's level of compliance. Effective delegation was underpinned by organisation of asthma work among practice members who have the appropriate level of skills and knowledge, know and understand each others' work and responsibilities, communicate well among themselves and trust each others' skills. It was the combination of these factors which made for successful delegation and guideline implementation, not any one factor in isolation. In our sample of practices, teamwork and organisation of care within practices appeared to impact on guideline implementation and further larger studies are needed to explore this issue further. Isolated interventions such as measures to improve staff's knowledge or increased clinical resource and time, which are currently being considered, are unlikely to be effective unless practices are supported in developing their teams in a way which supports the deployment of these resources.

Establishing Transportation Framework Services Using the Open Geospatial Consortium Web Feature Service Specification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, C.; Wong, D. W.; Phillips, T.; Wright, R. A.; Lindsey, S.; Kafatos, M.

2005-12-01

As a teamed partnership of the Center for Earth Observing and Space Research (CEOSR) at George Mason University (GMU), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the Department of Transportation (BTS/DOT), and Intergraph, we established Transportation Framework Data Services using Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)'s Web Feature Service (WFS) Specification to enable the sharing of transportation data among the federal level with data from BTS/DOT, the state level through VDOT, the industries through Intergraph. CEOSR develops WFS solutions using Intergraph software. Relevant technical documents are also developed and disseminated through the partners. The WFS is integrated with operational geospatial systems at CEOSR and VDOT. CEOSR works with Intergraph on developing WFS solutions and technical documents. GeoMedia WebMap WFS toolkit is used with software and technical support from Intergraph. ESRI ArcIMS WFS connector is used with GMU's campus license of ESRI products. Tested solutions are integrated with framework data service operational systems, including 1) CEOSR's interoperable geospatial information services, FGDC clearinghouse Node, Geospatial One Stop (GOS) portal, and WMS services, 2) VDOT's state transportation data and GIS infrastructure, and 3)BTS/DOT's national transportation data. The project presents: 1) develop and deploy an operational OGC WFS 1.1 interfaces at CEOSR for registering with FGDC/GOS Portal and responding to Web ``POST'' requests for transportation Framework data as listed in Table 1; 2) build the WFS service that can return the data that conform to the drafted ANSI/INCITS L1 Standard (when available) for each identified theme in the format given by OGC Geography Markup Language (GML) Version 3.0 or higher; 3) integrate the OGC WFS with CEOSR's clearinghouse nodes, 4) establish a formal partnership to develop and share WFS-based geospatial interoperability technology among GMU, VDOT, BTS/DOT, and Intergraph; and 5) develop WFS-based solutions and technical documents using the GeoMedia WebMap WFS toolkit. Geospatial Web Feature Service is demonstrated to be more efficient in sharing vector data and supports direct Internet access transportation data. Developed WFS solutions also enhanced the interoperable service provided by CEOSR through the FGDC clearinghouse node and the GOS Portal.

Applications of radon and radium isotopes to determine submarine groundwater discharge and flushing times in Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil.

PubMed

Hatje, Vanessa; Attisano, Karina Kammer; de Souza, Marcelo Friederichs Landim; Mazzilli, Barbara; de Oliveira, Joselene; de Araújo Mora, Tamires; Burnett, William C

2017-11-01

Todos os Santos Bay (BTS) is the 2nd largest bay in Brazil and an important resource for the people of the State of Bahia. We made measurements of radon and radium in selected areas of the bay to evaluate if these tracers could provide estimates of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and flushing times of the Paraguaçu Estuary and BTS. We found that there were a few areas along the eastern and northeastern shorelines that displayed relatively high radon and low salinities, indicating possible sites of enhanced SGD. A time-series mooring over a tidal cycle at Marina do Bonfim showed a systematic enrichment of the short-lived radium isotopes 223 Ra and 224 Ra during the falling tide. Assuming that the elevated radium isotopes were related to SGD and using measured radium activities from a shallow well at the site, we estimated groundwater seepage at about 70 m 3 /day per unit width of shoreline. Extrapolating to an estimated total shoreline length provided a first approximation of total (fresh + saline) SGD into BTS of 300 m 3 /s, about 3 times the average river discharge into the bay. Just applying the shoreline lengths from areas identified with high radon and reduced salinity results in a lower SGD estimate of 20 m 3 /s. Flushing times of the Paraguaçu Estuary were estimated at about 3-4 days based on changing radium isotope ratios from low to high salinities. The flushing time for the entire BTS was also attempted using the same approach and resulted in a surprisingly low value of only 6-8 days. Although physical oceanographic models have proposed flushing times on the order of months, a simple tidal prism calculation provided results in the range of 4-7 days, consistent with the radium approach. Based on these initial results, we recommend a strategy for refining both SGD and flushing time estimates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

State Transportation Statistics 2011

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-08

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOTs Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), presents State Transportation Statistics 2011, a statistical profile of transportation in the 50 states and the District of Col...

State Transportation Statistics 2010

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-09-14

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOTs Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), presents State Transportation Statistics 2010, a statistical profile of transportation in the 50 states and the District of Col...

Transportation statistics annual report 2004

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-09-01

In this edition of the Transportation Statistics Annual Report, the : Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) focuses on transportation : indicators related to 15 specific topics (chapter 2) and on the state of : transportation statistics (chapter ...

State transportation profile : summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-12-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) presents a statistical : profile of transportation in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. : This document supplements a previously published series of individual : state profiles. Like the individ...

State transportation statistics 2005

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-12-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOTs Research and Innovative : Technology Administration (RITA), presents State Transportation Statistics 2005, a : statistical profi le of transportation in the 50 states and the District o...

State transportation statistics 2007

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOTs Research and Innovative : Technology Administration (RITA), presents State Transportation Statistics 2007, a : statistical profi le of transportation in the 50 states and the District o...

State transportation statistics 2006

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-12-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOTs Research and Innovative : Technology Administration (RITA), presents State Transportation Statistics 2006, a : statistical profi le of transportation in the 50 states and the District o...

State transportation statistics 2003

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-12-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) presents a statistical : profile of transportation in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. : This document supplements a previously published series of individual : state profiles. Like the individ...

Directory of Transportation Data Sources, 1996

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-06-01

This publication has been released by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of DOT. This 708-page document identifies data sources within DOT, other federal government agencies, state government agencies, U.S. private transportation organizat...

Transportation statistics annual report 2006

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-12-01

This edition of the Transportation Statistics Annual Report presents selected transportation : data on 13 topics specifi ed in the legislative mandate of the Bureau of : Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportations Res...

State Transportation Statistics 2014

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-15

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) presents State Transportation Statistics 2014, a statistical profile of transportation in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This is the 12th annual edition of State Transportation Statistics, a ...

Federal subsidies to passenger transportation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-12-01

Recent work in the private sector and current policy debates have refocused attention on : Federal subsidies to passenger transportation modes. To provide the Department of : Transportation with an independent analysis of this issue, BTS developed da...

Transportation statistics annual report 2003

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-10-01

In this edition of the Transportation Statistics Annual Report, the : Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has focused on transportation : indicators related to 15 specific topics (chapter 2) and on the overall state : of transportation statisti...

Pocket Guide to Transportation 2012

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration produces the Pocket Guide to Transportation as a compact resource that provides snapshots of the U.S. transportation system and highlights major tr...

Applications to determine the shortest tower BTS distance using Dijkstra algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mardana, Herwin; Maharani, Septya; Hatta, Heliza Rahmania

2017-02-01

Telecommunications Tower or so-called BTS (Base Transceiver System) Toweris one of the main components in the network infrastructure that has experienced an increase in the number of construction. Telecommunications tower function as a place to put the antenna signal transmitter (access network) to provide communication services to customers around the tower. In addition, other use of telecommunications tower also to place the transmission signal antenna (transport network using microwave technology) for connecting customers with a central area. Therefore, in needed of a decision support system that can provide recommendations planting route of fiber optic cable with the shortest distance in purpose the use of fiber optic cable becoming more efficient. The results of the research were the shortest rule information, showing the distance to be travelled and the map view to enabling users to look at these.

Diagnosis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in solid organ transplant recipients - BCSH and BTS Guidelines.

PubMed

Parker, Anne; Bowles, Kristin; Bradley, J Andrew; Emery, Vincent; Featherstone, Carrie; Gupte, Girish; Marcus, Robert; Parameshwar, Jayan; Ramsay, Alan; Newstead, Charles

2010-06-01

A joint working group established by the Haemato-oncology subgroup of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) and the British Transplantation Society (BTS) has reviewed the available literature and made recommendations for the diagnosis and management of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in adult recipients of solid organ transplants. This review details the risk factors predisposing to development, initial features and diagnosis. It is important that the risk of developing PTLD is considered when using post transplant immunosuppression and that the appropriate investigations are carried out when there are suspicions of the diagnosis. These must include tissue for histology and computed tomography scan to assess the extent of disease. These recommendations have been made primarily for adult patients, there have been some comments made with regard to paediatric practice.

Long distance cell communication using spherical tether balloons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manchanda, R. K.; Rajagopalan, Vasudevan; Vasudevan, Rajagopalan; Mehrotra, R. K.; Sreenivasan, S.; Pawaskar, M.; Subba Rao Jonnalagadda, Venkata; Buduru, Suneelkumar; Kulkarni, P. M.

A proof-of-concept experiment was conducted for long-range cell communication for rural tele-phony and internet. We designed and fabricated a spherical tether balloon to carry the con-ventional micro base transceiver station (BTS) along with three slotted antenna to cover 2-pi radius. AC power and optical fiber were anchored along with the tether line. A special fre-quency license was obtained from Wireless Planning Commission (WPC) wing of Department of Telecommunication (DoT), India for the period of experiment so as not to affect the opera-tional networks. The experiments were carried out for different BTS heights up to 500 meter. Signal measurement both in data mode and voice quality were done in different quadrant using mobile vans. This paper describes the methodology (under patenting) and utility of technique for operational application.

5-HT has contrasting effects in the frontal cortex, but not the hypothalamus, on changes in noradrenaline efflux induced by the monoamine releasing-agent, d-amphetamine, and the reuptake inhibitor, BTS 54 354.

PubMed

Géranton, Sandrine M; Heal, David J; Stanford, S Clare

2004-03-01

There is extensive evidence for functional interactions between central noradrenergic and serotonergic neurones. Here, dual-probe microdialysis was used in freely-moving rats to compare the effects of 5-HT on noradrenergic transmission in the rat frontal cortex and hypothalamus. We studied the effects of the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor, para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA; which depleted 5-HT stores in both the frontal cortex and the hypothalamus), on spontaneous efflux of noradrenaline and on the noradrenergic responses to d-amphetamine, and the monoamine reuptake inhibitor, BTS 54 354. pCPA pretreatment alone did not affect spontaneous noradrenaline efflux in either brain region, whether or not alpha2-autoreceptors were inactivated by administration of the alpha2-antagonist, atipamezole (1 mg/kg i.p). However, in the frontal cortex, pCPA pretreatment augmented the amplitude of, and prolonged, the noradrenergic response to local infusion of d-amphetamine (10 microM). In contrast, pCPA abolished the increase in cortical noradrenaline efflux induced by local infusion of BTS 54 354 (50 microM). In the hypothalamus, pCPA did not affect the amplitude of the response to either of these agents but did prolong the effects of d-amphetamine on noradrenaline efflux. These findings suggest that serotonergic transmission has complex effects on the noradrenergic response to drugs that increase noradrenergic transmission in the frontal cortex, but has less influence in the hypothalamus.

Transportation Services Index and the economy

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-12-01

The March 2005 release of the Transportation Services Index (TSI), an economic measure of freight and passenger movements,1 marked the Bureau of Transportation Statistics' (BTS') entry into the company of federal statistical agencies that produce mon...

Freight in America : a new national picture

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-01-01

According to new estimates by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportations Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), over 19 billion tons of f...

2016 National Census of Ferry Operators [supporting datasets

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-03-06

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) conducted the National Census of Ferry Operators (NCFO) from April through November 2016, collecting the operational characteristics of the 2015 calendar year ferry operations. : The supporting zip file c...

The Office of Airline Information.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-01-01

The Office of Airline Information (OAI) mandate is to collect, validate, compile and disseminate data on airline traffic, performance, finances, and fares. Each quarter, BTS Office of Airline Information (OAI) processes more than 3,800 filings sub...

2016 Highlights of Ferry Operations in the United States

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-10-01

This publication highlights data collected by the 2016 NCFO. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) conducted the NCFO from April through November 2016, collecting the operational characteristics of the 2015 calendar year ferry operations.

U.S. Billion-Ton Update: Biomass Supply for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Downing, Mark; Eaton, Laurence M; Graham, Robin Lambert

2011-08-01

The report, Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry: The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply (generally referred to as the Billion-Ton Study or 2005 BTS), was an estimate of 'potential' biomass based on numerous assumptions about current and future inventory, production capacity, availability, and technology. The analysis was made to determine if conterminous U.S. agriculture and forestry resources had the capability to produce at least one billion dry tons of sustainable biomass annually to displace 30% or more of the nation's present petroleum consumption. An effort was made to use conservative estimates to assure confidence inmore » having sufficient supply to reach the goal. The potential biomass was projected to be reasonably available around mid-century when large-scale biorefineries are likely to exist. The study emphasized primary sources of forest- and agriculture-derived biomass, such as logging residues, fuel treatment thinnings, crop residues, and perennially grown grasses and trees. These primary sources have the greatest potential to supply large, reliable, and sustainable quantities of biomass. While the primary sources were emphasized, estimates of secondary residue and tertiary waste resources of biomass were also provided. The original Billion-Ton Resource Assessment, published in 2005, was divided into two parts-forest-derived resources and agriculture-derived resources. The forest resources included residues produced during the harvesting of merchantable timber, forest residues, and small-diameter trees that could become available through initiatives to reduce fire hazards and improve forest health; forest residues from land conversion; fuelwood extracted from forests; residues generated at primary forest product processing mills; and urban wood wastes, municipal solid wastes (MSW), and construction and demolition (C&D) debris. For these forest resources, only residues, wastes, and small-diameter trees were considered. The 2005 BTS did not attempt to include any wood that would normally be used for higher-valued products (e.g., pulpwood) that could potentially shift to bioenergy applications. This would have required a separate economic analysis, which was not part of the 2005 BTS. The agriculture resources in the 2005 BTS included grains used for biofuels production; crop residues derived primarily from corn, wheat, and small grains; and animal manures and other residues. The cropland resource analysis also included estimates of perennial energy crops (e.g., herbaceous grasses, such as switchgrass, woody crops like hybrid poplar, as well as willow grown under short rotations and more intensive management than conventional plantation forests). Woody crops were included under cropland resources because it was assumed that they would be grown on a combination of cropland and pasture rather than forestland. In the 2005 BTS, current resource availability was estimated at 278 million dry tons annually from forestlands and slightly more than 194 million dry tons annually from croplands. These annual quantities increase to about 370 million dry tons from forestlands and to nearly 1 billion dry tons from croplands under scenario conditions of high-yield growth and large-scale plantings of perennial grasses and woody tree crops. This high-yield scenario reflects a mid-century timescale ({approx}2040-2050). Under conditions of lower-yield growth, estimated resource potential was projected to be about 320 and 580 million dry tons for forest and cropland biomass, respectively. As noted earlier, the 2005 BTS emphasized the primary resources (agricultural and forestry residues and energy crops) because they represent nearly 80% of the long-term resource potential. Since publication of the BTS in April 2005, there have been some rather dramatic changes in energy markets. In fact, just prior to the actual publication of the BTS, world oil prices started to increase as a result of a burgeoning worldwide demand and concerns about long-term supplies. By the end of the summer, oil prices topped $70 per barrel (bbl) and catastrophic hurricanes in the Gulf Coast shut down a significant fraction of U.S. refinery capacity. The following year, oil approached $80 per bbl due to supply concerns, as well as continued political tensions in the Middle East. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) was enacted in December of that year. By the end of December 2007, oil prices surpassed $100 per bbl for the first time, and by mid-summer 2008, prices approached $150 per bbl because of supply concerns, speculation, and weakness of the U.S. dollar. As fast as they skyrocketed, oil prices fell, and by the end of 2008, oil prices dropped below $50 per bbl, falling even more a month later due to the global economic recession. In 2009 and 2010, oil prices began to increase again as a result of a weak U.S. dollar and the rebounding of world economies.« less

Uncertainty Evaluations of the CRCS In-orbit Field Radiometric Calibration Methods for Thermal Infrared Channels of FENGYUN Meteorological Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y.; Rong, Z.; Min, M.; Hao, X.; Yang, H.

2017-12-01

Meteorological satellites have become an irreplaceable weather and ocean-observing tool in China. These satellites are used to monitor natural disasters and improve the efficiency of many sectors of Chinese national economy. It is impossible to ignore the space-derived data in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, and agriculture, as well as disaster monitoring in China, a large agricultural country. For this reason, China is making a sustained effort to build and enhance its meteorological observing system and application system. The first Chinese polar-orbiting weather satellite was launched in 1988. Since then China has launched 14 meteorological satellites, 7 of which are sun synchronous and 7 of which are geostationary satellites; China will continue its two types of meteorological satellite programs. In order to achieve the in-orbit absolute radiometric calibration of the operational meteorological satellites' thermal infrared channels, China radiometric calibration sites (CRCS) established a set of in-orbit field absolute radiometric calibration methods (FCM) for thermal infrared channels (TIR) and the uncertainty of this method was evaluated and analyzed based on TERRA/AQUA MODIS observations. Comparisons between the MODIS at pupil brightness temperatures (BTs) and the simulated BTs at the top of atmosphere using radiative transfer model (RTM) based on field measurements showed that the accuracy of the current in-orbit field absolute radiometric calibration methods was better than 1.00K (@300K, K=1) in thermal infrared channels. Therefore, the current CRCS field calibration method for TIR channels applied to Chinese metrological satellites was with favorable calibration accuracy: for 10.5-11.5µm channel was better than 0.75K (@300K, K=1) and for 11.5-12.5µm channel was better than 0.85K (@300K, K=1).

Pocket Guide to Transportation 2017

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-05-01

The BTS Pocket Guide to Transportation is a quick reference guide to significant transportation statistics. All the previous seven sections plus a new Major Trends section are included. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Pocket Guide, which ...

National Transportation Atlas Databases : 1995

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-01-01

BTS has compiled the initial version of a geographic atlas : database to support research, analysis, and decision making : across all modes of transportation. The atlas databases are : designed primarily to meet the needs of DOT at the national : lev...

Pocket Guide to Transportation 2018

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-01-01

The 2018 BTS Pocket Guide to Transportation is a quick reference guide that provides transportation statistics at your fingertips. It provides key information and highlights major trends on the U.S. transportation system. This year features a new and...

OmniStats

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-09-01

OmniStats is an irregular newsletter that looks at single topic in each 2-3 paged issue, drawing statistics from the BTS monthly Omnibus Household Survey. These questions range from such diverse topics as air travel security to disposal of used motor...

Empowerment zones and transportation : the Baltimore example

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-01-01

Maps and geographical analyses are key to understanding what transportation does for and to us. For this reason, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has invested a significant share of its resources in the development of geographic informat...

Survey of state funding for public transportation 2007 : [2008-02-26

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), in : coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics : (BTS), conducts an annual public transportation funding survey of the ...

2002 commodity flow survey : state summaries

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-07-01

This report summarizes the 2002 Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) : state reports released in March 2005 by the Bureau of Transportation : Statistics (BTS) of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration : of the USDOT and the Census Bureau of the...

National Transportation Noise Mapping Tool

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-03-01

By most forecasts, the U.S. population is projected to grow by over 100 million by 2050. As demand for transportation increases, transportation-related noise will also change. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has started a national, mult...

Internet starter kit update 1997

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) established an Internet site in 1995, and also produced an Internet Starter Kit not only to assist transportation professionals in accessing the new Internet site but also to give them a basic overview of...

Capacity improvement using simulation optimization approaches: A case study in the thermotechnology industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yelkenci Köse, Simge; Demir, Leyla; Tunalı, Semra; Türsel Eliiyi, Deniz

2015-02-01

In manufacturing systems, optimal buffer allocation has a considerable impact on capacity improvement. This study presents a simulation optimization procedure to solve the buffer allocation problem in a heat exchanger production plant so as to improve the capacity of the system. For optimization, three metaheuristic-based search algorithms, i.e. a binary-genetic algorithm (B-GA), a binary-simulated annealing algorithm (B-SA) and a binary-tabu search algorithm (B-TS), are proposed. These algorithms are integrated with the simulation model of the production line. The simulation model, which captures the stochastic and dynamic nature of the production line, is used as an evaluation function for the proposed metaheuristics. The experimental study with benchmark problem instances from the literature and the real-life problem show that the proposed B-TS algorithm outperforms B-GA and B-SA in terms of solution quality.

Mucoadhesive buccal tablets containing silymarin Eudragit-loaded nanoparticles: formulation, characterisation and ex vivo permeation.

PubMed

El-Nahas, Amira E; Allam, Ahmed N; El-Kamel, Amal H

2017-08-01

Eudragit-loaded silymarin nanoparticles (SNPs) and their formulation into buccal mucoadhesive tablets were investigated to improve the low bioavailability of silymarin through buccal delivery. Characterisation of SNPs and silymarin buccal tablets (SBTs) containing the optimised NPs were performed. Ex vivo permeability of nominated SBTs were assessed using chicken pouch mucosa compared to SNPs and drug suspension followed by histopathological examination. Selected SNPs had a small size (<150 nm), encapsulation effciency (>77%) with drug release of about 90% after 6 h. For STBs, all physicochemical parameters were satisfactory for different polymers used. DSC and FT-IR studies suggested the presence of silymarin in an amorphous state. Ex vivo permeation significantly emphasised the great enhancement of silymarin permeation after NPs formation and much more increase after formulating into BTs relative to the corresponding drug dispersion with confirmed membrane integrity. Incorporation of SNPs into BTs could be an efficient vehicle for delivery of silymarin.

Data Processing Procedures and Methodology for Estimating Trip Distances for the 1995 American Travel Survey (ATS)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hwang, H.-L.; Rollow, J.

2000-05-01

The 1995 American Travel Survey (ATS) collected information from approximately 80,000 U.S. households about their long distance travel (one-way trips of 100 miles or more) during the year of 1995. It is the most comprehensive survey of where, why, and how U.S. residents travel since 1977. ATS is a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Census (Census); BTS provided the funding and supervision of the project, and Census selected the samples, conducted interviews, and processed the data. This report documents the technical support formore » the ATS provided by the Center for Transportation Analysis (CTA) in Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), which included the estimation of trip distances as well as data quality editing and checking of variables required for the distance calculations.« less

Design and control strategy for a hybrid green energy system for mobile telecommunication sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okundamiya, Michael S.; Emagbetere, Joy O.; Ogujor, Emmanuel A.

2014-07-01

The rising energy costs and carbon footprint of operating mobile telecommunication sites in the emerging world have increased research interests in green technology. The intermittent nature of most green energy sources creates the problem of designing the optimum configuration for a given location. This study presents the design analysis and control strategy for a cost effective and reliable operation of the hybrid green energy system (HGES) for GSM base transceiver station (BTS) sites in isolated regions. The design constrains the generation and distribution of power to reliably satisfy the energy demand while ensuring safe operation of the system. The overall process control applies the genetic algorithm-based technique for optimal techno-economic sizing of system's components. The process simulation utilized meteorological data for 3 locations (Abuja, Benin City and Sokoto) with varying climatic conditions in Nigeria. Simulation results presented for green GSM BTS sites are discussed and compared with existing approaches.

Oxidoreductive capability of boar sperm mitochondria in fresh semen and during their preservation in BTS extender.

PubMed

Gaczarzewicz, Dariusz; Piasecka, Małgorzata; Udała, Jan; Błaszczyk, Barbara; Laszczyńska, Maria; Kram, Andrzej

2003-07-01

The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of dilution and liquid-preservation of boar sperm on oxidoreductive capability of their mitochondria. The semen was diluted with BTS extender produced from water purified by destillation or by reverse osmosis. The spermatozoa were stored over a four-day period at 16-18 degrees C. The function of sperm mitochondria was assessed using the screening cytochemical test for NADH-dependent oxidoreductases (diaphorase/NADH, related to flavoprotein). Morphological assessment of cytochemical reaction was carried out using a light microscope. The intensity of the reaction was evaluated by means of a computer image analysing system (Quantimet 600S), measuring the integrated optical density (IOD) and mean optical density (MOD) of the reaction product (formazans) occurring in the sperm midpieces. In the non-diluted semen, intensive cytochemical reaction throughout the length of the sperm midpiece was observed. Furthermore, spermatozoa with the intensive reaction displayed the high optical density values. After dilution the semen with two variants of experimental extender, and as the conservation time expired, the cytochemical reaction was less intensive. Moreover, the absence of formazan deposits in various parts of the sperm midpiece was also noted. These morphological features corresponded to low values of optical density. These findings suggest that the dilution of semen and the time of sperm preservation may be critical factors that handicap energy metabolism of sperm mitochondria. The type of water used in preparing BTS extender does not have any significant effect on the oxidoreductive capability of sperm boar mitochondria.

BTS randomised feasibility study of active symptom control with or without chemotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma: ISRCTN 54469112.

PubMed

Muers, M F; Rudd, R M; O'Brien, M E R; Qian, W; Hodson, A; Parmar, M K B; Girling, D J

2004-02-01

The incidence of mesothelioma is rising rapidly in the UK. There is no generally accepted standard treatment. The BTS recommends active symptom control (ASC). It is not known whether chemotherapy in addition prolongs survival or provides worthwhile palliation with acceptable toxicity. Palliation as recorded by patients has been fully reported for only two regimens: mitomycin, vinblastine, and cisplatin (MVP), and vinorelbine (N). The BTS and collaborators planned to conduct a phase III randomised trial comparing ASC only, ASC+MVP, and ASC+N in 840 patients with survival as the primary outcome measure. The aim of the present study was to assess the acceptability of the trial design to patients and the suitability of two standard quality of life (QL) questionnaires for mesothelioma. Collaborating centres registered all new patients with mesothelioma. Those eligible and giving informed consent completed EORTC QLQ-C30+LC13 and FACT-L QL questionnaires and were randomised between all three or any two of (1) ASC only, (2) ASC+4 cycles of MVP, and (3) ASC+12 weekly doses of N. During 1 year, 242 patients were registered of whom 109 (45%) were randomised (55% of the 197 eligible patients). Fifty two patients from 20 centres were randomised to an option including ASC only. This translates into a rate of 312 per year from 60 centres interested in collaborating in the phase III trial. The EORTC QL questionnaire was superior to FACT-L in terms of completeness of data and patient preference. Clinically relevant palliation was achieved with ASC. The planned phase III trial is feasible.

Secretion of interferon gamma from human immune cells is altered by exposure to tributyltin and dibutyltin.

PubMed

Lawrence, Shanieek; Reid, Jacqueline; Whalen, Margaret

2015-05-01

Tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) are widespread environmental contaminants found in food, beverages, and human blood samples. Both of these butyltins (BTs) interfere with the ability of human natural killer (NK) cells to lyse target cells and alter secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) from human immune cells in vitro. The capacity of BTs to interfere with secretion of other pro-inflammatory cytokines has not been examined. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a modulator of adaptive and innate immune responses, playing an important role in overall immune competence. This study shows that both TBT and DBT alter secretion of IFNγ from human immune cells. Peripheral blood cell preparations that were increasingly reconstituted were used to determine if exposures to either TBT or DBT affected IFNγ secretion and how the makeup of the cell preparation influenced that effect. IFNγ secretion was examined after 24 h, 48 h, and 6 day exposures to TBT (200 - 2.5 nM) and DBT (5 - 0.05 µM) in highly enriched human NK cells, a monocyte-depleted preparation of PBMCs, and monocyte-containing PBMCs. Both BTs altered IFNγ secretion from immune cells at most of the conditions tested (either increasing or decreasing secretion). However, there was significant variability among donors as to the concentrations and time points that showed changes as well as the baseline secretion of IFNγ. The majority of donors showed an increase in IFNγ secretion in response to at least one concentration of TBT or DBT at a minimum of one length of exposure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Secretion of Interferon gamma (IFNγ) from Human Immune Cells is Altered by Exposure to Tributyltin (TBT) and Dibutyltin (DBT)

PubMed Central

Lawrence, Shanieek; Reid, Jacqueline; Whalen, Margaret

2013-01-01

Tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) are widespread environmental contaminants found in food, beverages, and human blood samples. Both of these butyltins (BTs) interfere with the ability of human natural killer (NK) cells to lyse target cells and also alter secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) from human immune cells in vitro. The capacity of BTs to interfere with secretion of other pro-inflammatory cytokines has not been examined. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a modulator of adaptive and innate immune responses, playing an important role in overall immune competence. This study shows that both TBT and DBT alter secretion of IFNγ from human immune cells. Peripheral blood cell preparations that were increasingly reconstituted were used to determine if exposures to either TBT or DBT affected IFNγ secretion and how the makeup of the cell preparation influenced that effect. IFNγ secretion was examined after 24 h, 48 h and 6 day exposures to TBT (200- 2.5 nM) and DBT (5- 0.05 μM) in highly enriched human NK cells, a monocyte-depleted preparation of PBMCs, and monocyte-containing PBMCs. Both BTs altered IFNγ secretion from NK cells at most of the conditions tested (either increasing or decreasing secretion). However, there was significant variability among donors as to the concentrations and time points that showed changes as well as the baseline secretion of IFNγ. The majority of donors showed an increase in IFNγ secretion in response to at least one concentration of TBT or DBT at a minimum of one length of exposure. PMID:24357260

The prophylactic effect of vitamin C on induced oxidative stress in rat testis following exposure to 900 MHz radio frequency wave generated by a BTS antenna model.

PubMed

Jelodar, Gholamali; Nazifi, Saeed; Akbari, Abolfazl

2013-09-01

Radio frequency wave (RFW) generated by base transceiver station (BTS) has been reported to make deleterious effects on reproduction, possibly through oxidative stress. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of RFW generated by BTS on oxidative stress in testis and the prophylactic effect of vitamin C by measuring the antioxidant enzymes activity, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups and treated daily for 45 days as follows: sham, sham+vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid 200 mg/kg of body weight/day by gavage), RFW (exposed to 900 MHz RFW) 'sham' and 'RFW' animals were given the vehicle, i.e., distilled water and the RFW+vitamin C group (received vitamin C in addition to exposure to RFW). At the end of the experiment, all the rats were sacrificed and their testes were removed and used for measurement of antioxidant enzymes and MDA activity. The results indicate that exposure to RFW in the test group decreased antioxidant enzymes activity and increased MDA compared with the control groups (p < 0.05). In the treated group, vitamin C improved antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced MDA compared with the test group (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that RFW causes oxidative stress in testis and vitamin C improves the antioxidant enzymes activity and decreases MDA.

Self-expandable metal stents for relieving malignant colorectal obstruction: short-term safety and efficacy within 30 days of stent procedure in 447 patients.

PubMed

Meisner, Søren; González-Huix, Ferran; Vandervoort, Jo G; Goldberg, Paul; Casellas, Juan A; Roncero, Oscar; Grund, Karl E; Alvarez, Alberto; García-Cano, Jesús; Vázquez-Astray, Enrique; Jiménez-Pérez, Javier

2011-10-01

The self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) can alleviate malignant colonic obstruction and avoid emergency decompressive surgery. To document performance, safety, and effectiveness of colorectal stents used per local standards of practice in patients with malignant large-bowel obstruction to avoid palliative stoma surgery in incurable patients (PAL) and facilitate bowel decompression as a bridge to surgery for curable patients (BTS). Prospective clinical cohort study. Two global registries with 39 academic and community centers. This study involved 447 patients with malignant colonic obstruction who received stents (255 PAL, 182 BTS, 10 no indication specified). Colorectal through-the-scope SEMS placement. The primary endpoint was clinical success at 30 days, defined as the patient's ability to maintain bowel function without adverse events related to the procedure or stent. Secondary endpoints were procedural success, defined as successful stent placement in the correct position, symptoms of persistent or recurrent colonic obstruction, and complications. The procedural success rate was 94.8% (439/463), and the clinical success rates were 90.5% (313/346) as assessed on a per protocol basis and 71.6% (313/437) as assessed on an intent-to-treat basis. Complications included 15 (3.9%) perforations, 3 resulting in death, 7 (1.8%) migrations, 7 (1.8%) cases of pain, and 2 (0.5%) cases of bleeding. No control group. No primary endpoint analysis data for 25% of patients. This largest multicenter, prospective study of colonic SEMS placement demonstrates that colonic SEMSs are safe and highly effective for the short-term treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction, allowing most curable patients to have 1-step resection without stoma and providing most incurable patients minimally invasive palliation instead of surgery. The risk of complications, including perforation, was low. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Improvements in BTS estimation of ton-miles

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-08-01

Ton-miles (one ton of freight shipped one mile) is the primary physical measure of freight transportation output. This paper describes improved measurements of ton-miles for air, truck, rail, water, and pipeline modes. Each modal measure contains a d...

United States, 2007 : 2007 Economic Census : transportation : 2007 commodity flow survey

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-04-01

The 2007 Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) is undertaken : through a partnership between the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. : Department of Commerce and the Research and Innovative : Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of Transportation : Statistics (BTS), ...

Spreadsheet-based engine data analysis tool - user's guide.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

This record refers to both the spreadsheet tool - Fleet Equipment Performance Measurement Preventive Maintenance Model: Spreadsheet-Based Engine Data Analysis Tool, http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/60000/60000/60007/0-6626-P1_Final.xlsm - and its accompanying ...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : third quarter : [2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2006

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : second quarter : [2013

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : first quarter : [2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2004

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : second quarter : [2008

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : second quarter : [2012

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : first quarter : [2008

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2003

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : second quarter : [2011

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2013

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2002

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2005

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : second quarter : [2012

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : second quarter : [2010

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : second quarter : [2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : first quarter : [2012

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2010

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2012

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : third quarter : [2011

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2011

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2007

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : third quarter : [2013

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : first quarter : [2011

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : first quarter : [2014

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : first quarter : [2013

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : third quarter : [2012

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : third quarter : [2008

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : first quarter : [2010

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2009

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

Air Carrier Financial Statistics : fourth quarter : [2008

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

This report presents airline financial statistics obtained from carrier reports to DOT on BTS Form 41 financial schedules. Effective with a rule (ER-1297) adopted July 1982, the filing frequency for income statement and balance sheet data was changed...

2014 Highlights of Ferry Operations in the United States

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-05-01

Based on information provided by operators who responded to the 2014 National Census of Ferry Operators (NCFO), the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) conservatively estimates that ferries in the United States carried just over 115 million pas...

Counting the new mobile workforce

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-04-01

This publication has been released by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The report examines existing federal surveys in order to identify those surveys to which work-at-home questions have been or can be added to generate more reliable i...

The influence of total suction on the brittle failure characteristics of clay shales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amann, F.; Linda, W.; Zimmer, S.; Thoeny, R.

2013-12-01

Clay shale testing is challenging and the results obtained from standard laboratory tests may not always reflect the strength of the clay shale in-situ. This is to a certain extend associated with the sensitivity of these rock types to desaturation processes during drilling, sample storage, and sample preparation. In this study the relationship between total suction, uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile (BTS) strength of cylindrical samples of Opalinus Clay was established in a systematic manner. Unconfined uniaxial compression and BTS tests were performed utilizing a servo-controlled testing procedure. Total suctions in the specimens was generated in air tight desiccators using supersaturated saline solutions which establish a relative humidity ranging from 20% to 99%. For unconfined compressive strength tests loading of the specimens occurred parallel to bedding. For BTS tests loading was either oriented normal or perpendicular to bedding. Both, the crack initiation and volumetric strain reversal threshold values were determined using volumetric and radial stress-strain methods. The results of BTS tests show that the tensile strength normal and perpendicular to bedding increases by a factor of approximately 3 when total suction is increased from 0 to 90 MPa (i.e. saturation decreases from 1.0 to 0.7) . Beyond 90 MPa total suction no further increase in tensile strength was observed, most probably due to shrinkage cracks which alter the tensile strength of the clay shale. Results obtained from UCS tests suggest that higher total suctions result in higher UCS values. Between total suctions of 0 to 90 MPa, the strength increase is almost linear (i.e. the UCS increases by a factor of 1.5 MPa). Beyond 90 MPa total suction no further strength increase was observed. A similar trend can be observed for crack initiation and crack damage values. In the same range of total suction the crack initiation stress increases by a factor of 5 (from 2 MPa to 10 MPa), and the crack damage stress increases by a factor of 2 (from 6 to 12 MPa). In addition to UCS tests, the water retention curve of intact and disturbed specimens was established. Here, results indicate that the drying path remains nearly unaffected by mechanical damage. However, the wetting path is considerably affected by mechanical damage.

Sensing Urban Patterns with Antenna Mappings: The Case of Santiago, Chile †

PubMed Central

Graells-Garrido, Eduardo; Peredo, Oscar; García, José

2016-01-01

Mobile data has allowed us to sense urban dynamics at scales and granularities not known before, helping urban planners to cope with urban growth. A frequently used kind of dataset are Call Detail Records (CDR), used by telecommunication operators for billing purposes. Being an already extracted and processed dataset, it is inexpensive and reliable. A common assumption with respect to geography when working with CDR data is that the position of a device is the same as the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) it is connected to. Because the city is divided into a square grid, or by coverage zones approximated by Voronoi tessellations, CDR network events are assigned to corresponding areas according to BTS position. This geolocation may suffer from non negligible error in almost all cases. In this paper we propose “Antenna Virtual Placement” (AVP), a method to geolocate mobile devices according to their connections to BTS, based on decoupling antennas from its corresponding BTS according to its physical configuration (height, downtilt, and azimuth). We use AVP applied to CDR data as input for two different tasks: first, from an individual perspective, what places are meaningful for them? And second, from a global perspective, how to cluster city areas to understand land use using floating population flows? For both tasks we propose methods that complement or improve prior work in the literature. Our proposed methods are simple, yet not trivial, and work with daily CDR data from the biggest telecommunication operator in Chile. We evaluate them in Santiago, the capital of Chile, with data from working days from June 2015. We find that: (1) AVP improves city coverage of CDR data by geolocating devices to more city areas than using standard methods; (2) we find important places (home and work) for a 10% of the sample using just daily information, and recreate the population distribution as well as commuting trips; (3) the daily rhythms of floating population allow to cluster areas of the city, and explain them from a land use perspective by finding signature points of interest from crowdsourced geographical information. These results have implications for the design of applications based on CDR data like recommendation of places and routes, retail store placement, and estimation of transport effects from pollution alerts. PMID:27428979

Imposex in Nassarius nitidus (Jeffreys, 1867) as a possible investigative tool to monitor butyltin contamination according to the Water Framework Directive: A case study in the Venice Lagoon (Italy).

PubMed

Cacciatore, Federica; Noventa, Seta; Antonini, Camilla; Formalewicz, Malgorzata; Gion, Claudia; Berto, Daniela; Gabellini, Massimo; Brusà, Rossella Boscolo

2018-02-01

Butyltin (TBT, DBT, and MBT) effects on molluscs, especially endocrine disruption in bivalves and gastropods, have been widely investigated. Imposex, the superimposition of male characters onto female gonochoristic Caenogastropods, is the most studied biological effect of TBT. TBT compounds are among the priority hazardous substances within Directives 2000/60/EC (WFD) and 2008/105/EC. The Environmental Quality Standards (EQSs) set by the WFD for TBT are quite difficult to quantify by means of chemical analysis, without the use of expensive and high performance methods. Assuming that EQSs set for TBT were derived from evidence of imposex development at very low concentrations, this specific biomarker could be used as an indirect measure of assessing levels of bioavailable BTs. Therefore, this study aims to validate the use of imposex development as an investigative tool to monitor the bioavailable fraction of BTs within the WFD, by comparing imposex levels and BT concentrations in Nassarius nitidus from the Venice Lagoon. BT concentrations and imposex levels in N. nitidus, collected in 2013, had decreased when compared to previous studies in the same area. Both VDSI and RPLI correlated positively with BT body burden in females, confirming that imposex is a valid tool to monitor bioavailable BTs. However, TBT is still a matter of concern in the Venice Lagoon, as TBT concentrations were still higher than its degradation products suggesting recent fresh TBT inputs in the studied area. To propose imposex levels as an indicator of the impact of BTs within the WFD, classification class boundaries and Ecological Quality Ratios were introduced. As a preliminary attempt, imposex levels were also compared to the OSPAR Commission EcoQOs which linked imposex levels in Nassarius reticulatus with TBT concentrations in water. Based on this comparison the degree of imposex development in the Venice Lagoon suggested that TBT concentrations in water should be over the EQS-AA concentration and, at one site, also over the EQS-MAC. From all the results obtained in this work, it appears that imposex evaluation in N. reticulatus could give information about the ecological status regarding BT compounds under the WFD and also be used to monitor their effects and support chemical analyses until more sensitive methods become available. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ecological risks of home and personal care products in the riverine environment of a rural region in South China without domestic wastewater treatment facilities.

PubMed

Zhang, Nai-Sheng; Liu, You-sheng; Van den Brink, Paul J; Price, Oliver R; Ying, Guang-Guo

2015-12-01

Home and personal care products (HPCPs) including biocides, benzotriazoles (BTs) and ultraviolet (UV) filters are widely used in our daily life. After use, they are discharged with domestic wastewater into the receiving environment. This study investigated the occurrence of 29 representative HPCPs, including biocides, BTs and UV filters, in the riverine environment of a rural region of South China where no wastewater treatment plants were present, and assessed their potential ecological risks to aquatic organisms. The results showed the detection of 11 biocides and 4 BTs in surface water, and 9 biocides, 3 BTs and 4 UV filters in sediment. In surface water, methylparaben (MeP), triclocarban (TCC), and triclosan (TCS) were detected at all sites with median concentrations of 9.23 ng/L, 2.64 ng/L and 5.39 ng/L, respectively. However, the highest median concentrations were found for clotrimazole (CLOT), 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (MBT) and carbendazim (CARB) at 55.6 ng/L, 33.7 ng/L and 13.8 ng/L, respectively. In sediment, TCC, TCS, and UV-326 were detected with their maximum concentrations up to 353 ng/g, 155 ng/g, and 133 ng/g, respectively. The concentrations for those detected HPCPs in surface water and sediment were generally lower in the upper reach (rural area) of Sha River than in the lower reach of Sha River with close proximity to Dongjiang River (Pt-test<0.05), indicating other input sources of HPCPs in the lower reach. Biocides showed significantly higher levels in surface water in the wet season than in the dry and intermediate seasons. Preliminary risk assessment demonstrated that the majority of HPCPs monitored represented low risk in surface waters. There are potentially greater risks to aquatic organisms from the use of TCS and TCC in the wet season than in dry and intermediate seasons in surface waters. This preliminary assessment also indicates potential concerns associated with TCC, TCS, DEET, CARB, and CLOT in sediments, although additional data should be generated to assess this fully. Thus future research is needed to investigate ecological effects of these HPCPs on benthic organisms in sediment of rural rivers receiving untreated wastewater discharge. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sensing Urban Patterns with Antenna Mappings: The Case of Santiago, Chile.

PubMed

Graells-Garrido, Eduardo; Peredo, Oscar; García, José

2016-07-15

Mobile data has allowed us to sense urban dynamics at scales and granularities not known before, helping urban planners to cope with urban growth. A frequently used kind of dataset are Call Detail Records (CDR), used by telecommunication operators for billing purposes. Being an already extracted and processed dataset, it is inexpensive and reliable. A common assumption with respect to geography when working with CDR data is that the position of a device is the same as the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) it is connected to. Because the city is divided into a square grid, or by coverage zones approximated by Voronoi tessellations, CDR network events are assigned to corresponding areas according to BTS position. This geolocation may suffer from non negligible error in almost all cases. In this paper we propose "Antenna Virtual Placement" (AVP), a method to geolocate mobile devices according to their connections to BTS, based on decoupling antennas from its corresponding BTS according to its physical configuration (height, downtilt, and azimuth). We use AVP applied to CDR data as input for two different tasks: first, from an individual perspective, what places are meaningful for them? And second, from a global perspective, how to cluster city areas to understand land use using floating population flows? For both tasks we propose methods that complement or improve prior work in the literature. Our proposed methods are simple, yet not trivial, and work with daily CDR data from the biggest telecommunication operator in Chile. We evaluate them in Santiago, the capital of Chile, with data from working days from June 2015. We find that: (1) AVP improves city coverage of CDR data by geolocating devices to more city areas than using standard methods; (2) we find important places (home and work) for a 10% of the sample using just daily information, and recreate the population distribution as well as commuting trips; (3) the daily rhythms of floating population allow to cluster areas of the city, and explain them from a land use perspective by finding signature points of interest from crowdsourced geographical information. These results have implications for the design of applications based on CDR data like recommendation of places and routes, retail store placement, and estimation of transport effects from pollution alerts.

Economic importance of transportation services : highlights of the Transportation Satellite Accounts

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-04-01

A new accounting tool, called the Transportation Satellite Accounts (TSA), now provides a way to measure both in-house and for-hire transportation services. The TSA, developed jointly by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the Department...

Scheduled intercity transportation : rural service areas in the United States

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-06-01

To identify how many of the countrys 82.4 million rural residents are within the reasonable coverage radius of at least one intercity transportation facility, in 2003 the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) undertook a geospatial analysis us...

The Freight Transportation Services Index as a leading economic indicator

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-09-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) freight Transportation : Services Index (TSI) showed a decline a full year : and a half prior to the start of the current recession. This : downturn suggests the TSI may prove particularly useful : as ...

BTS guide to good statistical practice

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-09-01

Quality of data has many faces. Primarily, it has to be relevant to its users. Relevance is : an outcome that is achieved through a series of steps starting with a planning process that : link user needs to data requirements. It continues through acq...

British Thoracic Society Guideline for the initial outpatient management of pulmonary embolism

PubMed Central

Howard, Luke S; Barden, Steven; Condliffe, Robin; Connolly, Vincent; Davies, Chris; Donaldson, James; Everett, Bernard; Free, Catherine; Horner, Daniel; Hunter, Laura; Kaler, Jasvinder; Nelson-Piercy, Catherine; O’Dowd, Emma; Patel, Raj; Preston, Wendy; Sheares, Karen; Tait, Campbell

2018-01-01

The following is a summary of the recommendations and good practice points for the BTS Guideline for the initial outpatient management of pulmonary embolism. Please refer to the full guideline for full information about each section.

Transportation Services Index An Economic Index Measuring Output in the For-Hire Transportation Sector.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is a leader in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of transportation data. The Transportation Services Index (TSI) measures the seasonally adjusted movement of freight traffic and passenger travel...

Transportation statistics annual report 1997 : mobility and access

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

This document is the fourth Transportation Statistics Annual Report (TSAR) prepared by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) for the President and Congress. As in previous years, it reports on the state of U.S. transportation system at two le...

"Intermodal Passenger Connectivity Database : A measurement of connectivity in the U.S. Passenger Transportation System : [2014]"

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) leads in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of transportation data. The Intermodal Passenger Connectivity Database : (ICPD) is an ongoing data collection that measures the degree of connectivity ...

Transportation satellite accounts : a look at transportation's role in the economy.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

To provide a more comprehensive measure of transportation services and their contribution to the national economy, the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and the U.S. Department of Commerces Bureau of E...

77 FR 2345 - Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics; Request for Nominations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-17

... Transportation Statistics Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics; Request for Nominations AGENCY: Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), DOT. ACTION: Request for Nominations to the Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics (ACTS). SUMMARY: The...

Transportation statistics annual report 1998 : long distance travel and freight

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-01-01

This Transportation Statistics Annual Report 1998 is the fifth annual report prepared by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), as required by law [49 U.S.C. 111 (j)]. As in prior years, the report brings together under one cover information ...

Opinions on cell phone use on airplanes, congestion, and telecommuting - from the 2006 and 2007 Omnibus Household Survey

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-07-01

The annual Omnibus Household Survey (OHS), administered : by the U.S. Department of Transportations Bureau : of Transportation Statistics (BTS), asks respondents about : their weekly travel habits, journey to work, opinions about : the transportat...

Blowout Prevention System Events and Equipment Component Failures : 2016 SafeOCS Annual Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-09-22

The SafeOCS 2016 Annual Report, produced by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), summarizes blowout prevention (BOP) equipment failures on marine drilling rigs in the Outer Continental Shelf. It includes an analysis of equipment component f...

BTS guideline for the investigation and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

PubMed

Woolhouse, Ian; Bishop, Lesley; Darlison, Liz; de Fonseka, Duneesha; Edey, Anthony; Edwards, John; Faivre-Finn, Corinne; Fennell, Dean A; Holmes, Steve; Kerr, Keith M; Nakas, Apostolos; Peel, Tim; Rahman, Najib M; Slade, Mark; Steele, Jeremy; Tsim, Selina; Maskell, Nick A

2018-01-01

The full guideline for the investigation and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma is published in Thorax . The following is a summary of the recommendations and good practice points. The sections referred to in the summary refer to the full guideline.

Accident casualty reporting and recording by DOT modal agencies : a background paper

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-06-30

This report was prepared in support of the Safety Data Action Plan (SDAP) sponsored by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). This document supports the working group responsible for SDAP research project #2 - Develop Common Criteria for Repo...

How freight moves : estimating milage and routes using an innovative GIS tool

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-06-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has developed an innovative software tool, called GeoMiler, that is helping researchers better estimate freight travel. GeoMiler is being used to compute mileages along likely routes for the nearly 6 mill...

Airport activity statistics of certificated air carriers : summary tables : twelve months ending December 31, 1999

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airport Activity Statistics of Certificated Air Carriers: Summary Tables presents summary data for all scheduled and nonscheduled service by large certificated U.S. air carriers including the volume of pa...

77 FR 18304 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Report of Financial and Operating...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-27

... Operating Statistics for Large Certificated Air Carriers AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research & Innovative Technology Administration [Docket ID Number... Operating Statistics for Large Certificated Air Carriers. Form No.: BTS Form 41. Type Of Review...

The effect of Base Transceiver Station waves on some immunological and hematological factors in exposed persons.

PubMed

Taheri, Mohammad; Roshanaei, Ghodratollah; Ghaffari, Jamileh; Rahimnejad, Samira; Khosroshahi, Behzad Nazel; Aliabadi, Mohsen; Eftekharian, Mohammad Mahdi

2017-01-01

Since the number of mobile subscribers has significantly increased in recent years, the installation and deployment of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) antennas sending and receiving signals has become common and inevitable in different regions. In this study, we have tried to evaluate the effect of the waves on some immunological and hematological parameters in exposed individuals. In this study, the exposed and non-exposed individuals were used as the test and control groups, respectively. The test group was healthy people who resided in the vicinity of the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) antenna and received the maximum of radiation. The control group was selected from the healthy individuals that were matched with the exposed group by age. They resided in a distance of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) antenna and received the minimum of radiation. After stating complete explanations and obtaining the consent, the venous blood samples were taken from them. Then, CBC and the level of cytokines including IL-4, IL-10 and interferon γ were performed on the samples and the results were analyzed by SPSS software. In the test group, the whole number of white blood cells, the level of hematocrit, percent of monocytes, eosinophils and basophils were significantly lower than the control group. The number of red blood cells, their average volume and the mean concentration of hemoglobin were notably higher than the controls. There was not observed a significant difference between the two groups in hemoglobin, its mean concentration, platelet count, percent of lymphocytes and neutrophils as well as serum levels of cytokines IL-4, IL-10 and interferon γ . It seems that radiation of mobile phone antennas influenced the blood and immune systems, but further study should be done to exactly determine the targets.

Effect of boar ejaculate fraction, extender type and time of storage on quality of spermatozoa.

PubMed

Dziekońska, A; Świąder, K; Koziorowska-Gilun, M; Mietelska, K; Zasiadczyk, Ł; Kordan, W

2017-03-28

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the sperm-rich fraction (F1) and the post-F1 fraction (F2) on the quality of boar spermatozoa stored in a liquid state. Ejaculates were collected from three Polish Landrace boars. Each ejaculate fraction was diluted with BTS short-term extender and Safe-Cell Plus (SCP) long-term extender and stored for seven days (D1-D7) at 17°C. Analyses included sperm motility parameters, normal apical ridge (NAR) acrosomes and plasma membrane integrity (PMI). Prior to the dilution of fractions, marked changes (p<0.05) were noted between F1 and F2 in progressive motility (PMOT), velocity average pathway (VAP) and velocity straight line (VCL). After the ejaculate was diluted, the type of fraction and type of extender significantly affected (p<0.05) PMOT, being markedly higher (p<0.05) for F1 extended in BTS. No marked changes (p<0.05) were observed between F1 and F2 extended in SCP for any of the analyzed sperm quality parameters during seven days of storage. Significantly higher (p<0.05) values of sperm quality parameters were noted in F1 compared with F2 for BTS on D7 of storage. The results of the four-way ANOVA analysis indicate that boar, fraction of ejaculate, extender type and day of storage had significant effects on the quality of boar stored spermatozoa. The F1 was characterised by higher quality of spermatozoa during storage in comparison with F2 in the short-term extender. Using the long-term extender containing the proteins allowed for a better application of F2, which could be important for the pig industry.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to BTS, ERS, GOLD and ATS criteria in relation to doctor's diagnosis, symptoms, age, gender, and smoking habits.

PubMed

Lindberg, Anne; Jonsson, Ann-Christin; Rönmark, Eva; Lundgren, Rune; Larsson, Lars-Gunnar; Lundbäck, Bo

2005-01-01

Guidelines and standards for diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been presented by different national and international societies, but the spirometric criteria for COPD differ between guidelines. To estimate prevalence of COPD using the guidelines of the British Thoracic Society (BTS), the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), and the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Further, to evaluate reported airway symptoms, contacts with health care providers, and physician diagnosis of COPD in relation to the respective criteria, and gender differences. In 1992 a postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of adults aged 20-69 years, 4,851 (85%) out of 5,681 subjects responded. In 1994-1995 a random sample of the responders, 970 subjects, were invited to a structured interview and a lung function test; 666 (69%) participated. The prevalence of COPD was 7.6, 14.0, 14.1, 12.2 and 34.1% according to BTS, ERS, GOLD, clinical ATS (with symptoms or physician diagnosis), and spirometric ATS criteria, respectively. Prevalent COPD was related to age, smoking habits and family history of obstructive airway disease but not to gender. Physician diagnosis of chronic bronchitis or emphysema was only reported by 16.3, 12.2, 11.0, 23.4 and 8.2% of subjects fulfilling the respective criteria, though a majority reported airway symptoms. The main determinants for prevalent COPD were age, smoking habits and spirometric criteria of COPD. Though a majority reported airway symptoms and contact with health care providers due to respiratory complaints, only a minority was diagnosed as having COPD, indicating a large underdiagnosis. Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Evaluation of screening methods for identification of patients with chronic rheumatological disease requiring tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis prior to commencement of TNF-α antagonist therapy.

PubMed

Singanayagam, Aran; Manalan, Kavina; Sridhar, Saranya; Molyneaux, Philip L; Connell, David W; George, Peter M; Kindelerer, Anne; Seneviratne, Suranjith; Lalvani, Ajit; Wickremasinghe, Melissa; Kon, Onn Min

2013-10-01

Patients undergoing tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonist therapy are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) reactivation. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum available screening strategy for identifying patients for tuberculosis (TB) chemoprophylaxis. We conducted a prospective observational study of consecutive adults with chronic rheumatological disease referred for LTBI screening prior to commencement of TNF-α antagonist therapy. All patients included had calculation of TB risk according to age, ethnicity and year of UK entry, as described in the 2005 British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines and measurement of tuberculin skin test (TST) and T.Spot.TB. There were 187 patients included in the study, with 157 patients (84%) taking immunosuppressants. 137 patients would require further risk stratification according to the BTS algorithm, with 110 (80.3%) classified as being at low risk of having LTBI. There were 39 patients (35.5%) who were categorised as low risk but were either TST and/or T.Spot positive and would not have received chemoprophylaxis according to the BTS algorithm. Combination of all three methods (risk stratification and/or positive T.Spot and/or positive TST) identified 66 patients out of 137 who would potentially be offered chemoprophylaxis, which was greater than any single test or two-test combination. Performing both a TST and T.Spot in patients on immunosuppressants prior to commencement of TNF-α antagonist therapy gives an additional yield of potential LTBI compared with use of risk stratification tables alone. Our results suggest that use of all three screening modalities gives the highest yield of patients potentially requiring chemoprophylaxis.

Assessment of sperm viability, mitochondrial activity, capacitation and acrosome intactness in extended boar semen during long-term storage.

PubMed

Huo, Li-Jun; Ma, Xing-Hong; Yang, Zeng-Ming

2002-10-15

The purpose of this study was to assess sperm quality in extended boar semen during in vitro storage in order to determine which extender should be used and how long boar semen can be stored. Freshly ejaculated boar semen was diluted with equal volumes of Beltsville thaw solution (BTS), Androhep, KIEV or Zorlesco extenders and stored at 17 degrees C for up to 15 days. Sperm quality was evaluated by examining viability using SYBR-14/PI and Hoechst 33258 staining, mitochondrial activity using 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl-carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining, acrosome intactness by Coomassie blue staining, and capacitation status by chlortetracycline (CTC) staining. There were over 50% viable spermatozoa in boar semen extended with Zorlesco and Androhep extenders on Day 13 of storage. The percentage of JC-1-stained spermatozoa was 53.8 +/- 2.1% for Zorlesco and 57.7 +/- 1.60% for Androhep extenders on Day 13 of storage. The percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa detected by Coomassie blue staining was higher than that in the SYBR-14PI-, Hoechst 33258-, and JC-1-stained samples in our study. The results from SYBR-14/PI, Hoechst 33258, JC-1, and Coomassie blue staining were highly correlated (r > or = 0.9461). There were less than 15% capacitated spermatozoa in the semen extended with BTS, Androhep and Zorlesco extenders during 9 days of storage. However, most viable boar spermatozoa became capacitated by Day 13 of storage. The rank order of four extenders for maintaining sperm viability and mitochondrial activity was as follows: Androhep, Zorlesco, BTS, KIEV.

Accumulation of organotin compounds in tissues and organs of stranded whales along the coasts of Thailand.

PubMed

Harino, H; Ohji, M; Wattayakorn, G; Adulyanukosol, K; Arai, T; Miyazaki, N

2007-07-01

Concentrations of butyltin (BT) and phenyltin (PT) compounds were measured in organs and tissues of five species of whales (Bride's whale [Balaenoptera edeni], false killer whale [Pseudorca crassidens], pygmy sperm whale [Kogia breviceps], short-finned pilot whale [Globicephala macrorhynchus], and sperm whale [Physeter macrocephalus]) found stranded on the coasts of Thailand. The mean concentrations of BTs in various whales were in the range of 0.157 to 1.03 mg kg(-1 )wet weight, which were higher levels than the reported concentrations in whales from other countries. PT concentrations were also detected in the range of 0.022 to 1.14 mg kg(-1) wet weight. The concentrations of BTs and PTs in whales were higher than those in mussels from the coastal area of Thailand. Concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) compounds in whale organs and tissues were also compared, and it was found that TBT concentrations were generally higher in liver and lower in lung. TPT concentrations were higher in liver and blubber and lower in lung. Ratios of TBT degradation products in whale liver, namely monobutyltin (MBT) and dibutyltin (DBT), were higher than the ratios of TBT. TPTs in liver were found to be dominant among PTs. The patterns of BTs and PTs in false killer whale liver were different from those in the other whales by cluster analysis. Their concentrations in false killer whales were the highest among all whales in this study. False killer whales feed on squid and large pelagic fish containing higher concentrations of organotin (OT) compounds, so the differences in patterns and concentrations of OTs in liver between false killer whales and the other whales may be caused by difference in diet.

Tributyltin (TBT) and Dibutyltin (DBT) Alter Secretion of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα) from Human Natural Killer (NK) Cells and a Mixture of T cells and NK Cells

PubMed Central

Hurt, Kelsi; Hurd-Brown, Tasia; Whalen, Margaret

2012-01-01

Butyltins (BTs) have been in widespread use. Tributyltin (TBT) has been used as a biocide in a variety of applications and is found in human blood samples. Dibutyltin (DBT) has been used as a stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride plastics and as a de-worming agent in poultry. DBT, like TBT, is found in human blood. Human natural killer (NK) cells are the earliest defense against tumors and viral infections and secrete the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha (α). TNFα is an important regulator of adaptive and innate immune responses. TNFα promotes inflammation and an association between malignant transformation and inflammation has been established. Previously, we have shown that TBT and DBT were able to interfere with the ability of NK cells to lyse tumor target cells. Here we show that BTs alter cytokine secretion by NK cells as well as a mixture of T and NK lymphocytes (T/NK cells). We examined 24 h, 48 h, and 6 day exposures to TBT (200- 2.5 nM) and DBT (5- 0.05 µM) on TNFα secretion by highly enriched human NK cells and T/NK cells. The results indicate that TBT (200 - 2.5 nM) decreased TNFα secretion from NK cells. In the T/NK cells 200 nM TBT decreased secretion while 100-5 nM TBT increased secretion of TNFα. NK cells or T/NK cells exposed to higher concentrations of DBT showed decreased TNFα secretion while lower concentrations showed increased secretion. The effects of BTs on TNFα secretion are seen at concentrations present in human blood. PMID:23047847

Improved Coast Guard Communications Using Commercial Satellites and WWW Technology: Slide Presentation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-06-18

The slides in this file amplify a paper that was presented at International Mobile Satellite Conference, (IMSC-97), Pasadena CA on 18 June 1997. The text of that presentation can be found at http://www.bts.gov/NTL/data/imsc.pdf.

Two decades of change in transportation reflections from transportation statistics annual reports 1994-2014.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-01-01

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) : provides information to support understanding : and decision-making related to the transportation : system, including the size and extent of the : system, how it is used, how well it works, and its : co...

BTS guideline for the investigation and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma

PubMed Central

Woolhouse, Ian; Bishop, Lesley; Darlison, Liz; de Fonseka, Duneesha; Edey, Anthony; Edwards, John; Faivre-Finn, Corinne; Fennell, Dean A; Holmes, Steve; Kerr, Keith M; Nakas, Apostolos; Peel, Tim; Rahman, Najib M; Slade, Mark; Steele, Jeremy; Tsim, Selina; Maskell, Nick A

2018-01-01

The full guideline for the investigation and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma is published in Thorax. The following is a summary of the recommendations and good practice points. The sections referred to in the summary refer to the full guideline. PMID:29531746

Summary of the 2008 BTS/SIGN British Guideline on the management of asthma.

PubMed

Levy, Mark L; Thomas, Mike; Small, Iain; Pearce, Linda; Pinnock, Hilary; Stephenson, Paul

2009-01-01

The 2008 BTS/SIGN British Guideline on the management of asthma provides comprehensive updated evidence-based guidance on asthma management for healthcare professionals. This primary care-focussed summary has been produced to aid dissemination and implementation of the key guideline messages into primary care. The section on diagnosis emphasises the new integrated symptom-based approach with clinicians using their deductive skills to determine the probability that the patient has asthma. The various tools used for monitoring asthma are discussed. There are sections on both non-pharmacological and pharmacological management of chronic asthma in adults and children. Treatment options for children are subdivided into the under-5s and children aged 5-12 years. Poor asthma control is manifested by exacerbations and acute asthma. Personalised asthma action plans for guided self management should be provided and used when levels of asthma control change. There are sections on difficult asthma and the treatment of exacerbations and acute severe asthma. Various outcome measures for auditing the quality of asthma care are discussed.

Enhanced thermostability of silica-immobilized lipase from Bacillus coagulans BTS-3 and synthesis of ethyl propionate.

PubMed

Kumar, Satyendra; Pahujani, Shweta; Ola, R P; Kanwar, S S; Gupta, Reena

2006-06-01

A lipase from the thermophilic isolate Bacillus coagulans BTS-3 was produced and purified. The enzyme was purified 40-fold to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation and DEAE-Sepharose column chromatography. Its molecular weight was 31 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The purified lipase was immobilized on silica and its binding efficiency was found to be 60%. The enzyme took 60 min to bind maximally onto the support. The pH and temperature optima of immobilized lipase were same as those of the free enzyme, i.e. 8.5 and 55 degrees C, respectively. The immobilized enzyme had shown marked thermostability on the elevated temperatures of 55, 60, 65 and 70 degrees C. The immobilized enzyme was reused for eigth cycles as it retained almost 80% of its activity. The catalytic activity of immobilized enzyme was enhanced in n-hexane and ethanol. The immobilized enzyme when used for esterification of ethanol and propionic acid showed 96% conversion in n-hexane in 12 h at 55 degrees C.

Production of geranylgeraniol on overexpression of a prenyl diphosphate synthase fusion gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Ohto, Chikara; Muramatsu, Masayoshi; Obata, Shusei; Sakuradani, Eiji; Shimizu, Sakayu

2010-07-01

An acyclic diterpene alcohol, (E,E,E)-geranylgeraniol (GGOH), is one of the important compounds used as perfume and pharmacological agents. A deficiency of squalene (SQ) synthase activity allows yeasts to accumulate an acyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, (E,E)-farnesol, in their cells. Since sterols are essential for the growth of yeasts, a deficiency of SQ synthase activity makes the addition of supplemental sterols to the culture media necessary. To develop a GGOH production method not requiring any supplemental sterols, we overexpressed HMG1 encoding hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase and the genes of two prenyl diphosphate synthases, ERG20 and BTS1, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A prototrophic diploid coexpressing HMG1 and the ERG20-BTS1 fusion accumulated GGOH with neither disruption of the SQ synthase gene nor the addition of any supplemental sterols. The GGOH content on the diploid cultivation in a 5-l jar fermenter reached 138.8 mg/l under optimal conditions.

Surface-sediment and hermit-crab contamination by butyltins in southeastern Atlantic estuaries after ban of TBT-based antifouling paints.

PubMed

Sant'Anna, B S; Santos, D M; Marchi, M R R; Zara, F J; Turra, A

2014-05-01

Butyltin (BT) contamination was evaluated in hermit crabs from 25 estuaries and in sediments from 13 of these estuaries along about 2,000 km of the Brazilian coast. BT contamination in hermit crabs ranged from 2.22 to 1,746 ng Sn g(-1) of DBT and 1.32 to 318 ng Sn g(-1) of TBT. In sediment samples, the concentration also varied widely, from 25 to 1,304 ng Sn g(-1) of MBT, from 7 to 158 ng Sn g(-1) of DBT, and from 8 to 565 ng Sn g(-1) of TBT. BTs are still being found in surface sediments and biota of the estuaries after the international and Brazilian bans, showing heterogeneous distribution among and within estuaries. Although hermit crabs were previously tested as an indicator of recent BT contamination, the results indicate the presence of contamination, probably from resuspension of BTs from deeper water of the estuary.

Assessment of multimodal freight bottlenecks and alleviation strategies for upper Midwest region.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-05-01

The freight that passes through the Mississippi Valley Region is high volume and has a substantial impact on the economy of the : region. According to the BTS-sponsored Commodity Flow Survey, trucks carried almost 2.5 billion tons of freight across t...

76 FR 4992 - Agency Information Collection: Activity Under OMB Review: Report of Financial and Operating...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-27

... Operating Statistics for Large Certificated Air Carriers AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), DOT. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics...

Using the Battlefield Telemedicine System (BTS) to train deployed medical personnel in complicated medical tasks - a proof of concept.

PubMed

Irizarry, Daniel; Wadman, Michael C; Bernhagen, Mary A; Miljkovic, Nikola; Boedeker, Ben H

2012-01-01

This work describes the use of Adobe Connect software along with algorithm software to provide the necessary audio visual communication platform for telementoring a complex medical procedure to novice providers located at a distant site.

75 FR 41579 - Submitting Airline Data via the Internet

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-16

... Airline Information, RTS-42, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Research and Innovative Technology... Statistics (BTS), must be submitted electronically (e- filing). The new e-filing system is designed to be... November 30, 2010. P-10 Employment Statistics by Labor Category--due February 20, 2011. A Certification...

Effect of egg storage duration and brooding temperatures on chick growth, intestine morphology and nutrient transporters.

PubMed

Yalcin, S; Gursel, I; Bilgen, G; Horuluoglu, B H; Gucluer, G; Izzetoglu, G T

2017-10-01

The effects of egg storage duration (ESD) and brooding temperature (BT) on BW, intestine development and nutrient transporters of broiler chicks were investigated. A total of 396 chicks obtained from eggs stored at 18°C for 3 days (ESD3-18°C) or at 14°C for 14 days (ESD14-14°C) before incubation were exposed to three BTs. Temperatures were initially set at 32°C, 34°C and 30°C for control (BT-Cont), high (BT-High) and low (BT-Low) BTs, respectively. Brooding temperatures were decreased by 2°C each at days 2, 7, 14 and 21. Body weight was measured at the day of hatch, 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42. Cloacal temperatures of broilers were recorded from 1 to 14 days. Intestinal morphology and gene expression levels of H+-dependent peptide transporter (PepT1) and Na-dependent glucose (SGLT1) were evaluated on the day of hatch and 14. Cloacal temperatures of chicks were affected by BTs from days 1 to 8, being the lowest for BT-Low chicks. BT-High resulted in the heaviest BWs at 7 days, especially for ESD14-14°C chicks. This result was consistent with longer villus and larger villus area of ESD14-14°C chicks at BT-High conditions. From 14 days to slaughter age, BT had no effect on broiler weight. ESD3-18°C chicks were heavier than ESD14-14°C chicks up to 28 days. The PepT1 and SGLT1 expression levels were significantly higher in ESD3-18°C chicks than ESD14-14°C on the day of hatch. There was significant egg storage by BT interaction for PepT1 and SGLT1 transporters at day 14. ESD14-14°C chicks had significantly higher expression of PepT1 and SGLT1 at BT-Low than those at BT-Cont. ESD14-14°C chicks upregulated PepT1 gene expression 1.15 and 1.57-fold at BT-High and BT-Low, respectively, compared with BT-Cont, whereas PepT1 expression was downregulated 0.67 and 0.62-fold in ESD3-18°C chicks at BT-High and BT-Low. These results indicated that pre-incubation egg storage conditions and BTs affected intestine morphology and PepT1 and SGLT1 nutrient transporters expression in broiler chicks.

78 FR 11732 - Agency Information Collection Activity; Notice of Request for Public Comment and Submission to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-19

... AGENCY: Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), Research and Innovative Technology Administration... Transportation Statistics, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Advanced Studies, RTS-31, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001; Phone No. (202...

ZTF Bright Transient Survey classifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fremling, C.; Sharma, Y.; Skulkarni, S. R.; Walters, R.; Blagorodnova, N.; Neill, J. D.; Miller, A. A.; Taggart, K.; Perley, D. A.; Goobar, A.; Graham, M. L.

2018-06-01

The Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF; ATel #11266) Bright Transient Survey (BTS; ATel #11688) reports classifications of the following targets. Spectra have been obtained with the Spectral Energy Distribution Machine (SEDM) (range 350-950nm, spectral resolution R 100) mounted on the Palomar 60-inch (P60) telescope (Blagorodnova et. al. 2018, PASP, 130, 5003).

Development of artificial bait for brown treesnake suppression

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) was accidentally introduced to Guam in the late 1940s or early 1950s, probably from the Solomon Islands. A native of Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, the brown treesnake (BTS) continues to threaten the economy and ecology of Guam and is c...

Survey reveals public open to ban on hand-held cell phone use and texting.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

A study performed by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics : (BTS) reveals that the public is open to a ban on : hand-held cell phone use while driving. The study is based : on data from 2009s Omnibus Household Survey (OHS), : which is administe...

78 FR 43968 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Passenger Origin-Destination Survey Report

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-22

... RITA 2008-0002] Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Passenger Origin-Destination Survey Report AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of Transportation..., Office of Airline Information, RTS-42, Room E34-441, RITA, BTS, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington...

75 FR 3274 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Passenger Origin-Destination Survey Report

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-20

... RITA 2008-0002] Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Passenger Origin-Destination Survey Report AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of Transportation... Airline Information, RTS-42, Room E34-409, RITA, BTS, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590...

Detecting and Segregating Black Tip-Damaged Wheat Kernels Using Visible and Near Infrared Spectroscopy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Detection of individual wheat kernels with black tip symptom (BTS) and black tip damage (BTD) was demonstrated using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and silicon light-emitting-diode (LED) based instruments. The two instruments tested, a single kernel near-infrared spectroscopy instrume...

77 FR 33808 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review: Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-07

... Confirmed Space--BTS Form 251 AGENCY: Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), Bureau of.... SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Approval No. 2138-0018 Title: Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed Space. Form... quarterly, travelers and travel agents can select carriers with lower incidences of bumping passengers. This...

14 CFR 385.19 - Authority of the Director, Office of Aviation Information, Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Aviation Information, Bureau of Transportation Statistics. 385.19 Section 385.19 Aeronautics and Space... of the Director, Office of Aviation Information, Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The Director, Office of Aviation Information, Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has authority to: (a) Conduct...

Mountain Permafrost in the Yukon Territory, Canada: Mapping and Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewkowicz, A. G.; Bonnaventure, P.; Schultz, E.; Etzelmuller, B.

2006-12-01

The distribution and characteristics of mountain permafrost in North America are poorly known compared to lowland permafrost, and predictions of climatic change impacts are therefore subject to a higher degree of uncertainty. Recent DC resistivity soundings in association with borehole temperature information in the Yukon Territory, show the wide range of permafrost conditions that can exist at sites separated by short distances. To provide baseline information for future modelling, efforts are underway to produce a detailed map of permafrost probability in the mountains of the southern half of the Yukon Territory (60-65°N), an area greater than 200 x 103km2. The methodology is based on the Basal Temperature of Snow (BTS) technique, first developed in the European Alps. Ground surface temperatures measured at the base of snow > 80 cm thick in late winter are an indicator of permafrost presence or absence. We have used this method successfully in three study areas of about 200 km2: first, Wolf Creek basin near Whitehorse (Lewkowicz and Ednie, 2004) and now the western side of the Ruby Range adjacent to Kluane Lake, and the Haines Summit area in northwestern British Columbia. In each area, (1) we installed miniature temperature loggers at the ground surface and in the air to check on the timing of the BTS measurements; (2) we measured BTS values in the elevation zone across which permafrost was expected to become widespread; (3) we modelled the BTS spatial field using elevation (from a 30 m DEM) and potential incoming solar radiation (PISR) as the independent variables; and (4) we used logistic regression to compare the modelled BTS values with pit observations made in late-summer of the presence or absence of frozen ground. Both elevation and PISR were significant in the Wolf Creek and Ruby Range sites which have relatively continental climates and fall within the Upper Yukon-Stikine Basin climatic region (Wahl et al., 1987). For the Haines Summit area, however, PISR was not significant, likely reflecting the much more maritime climate of this area and the frequent fogs that are present. More than 50 new air and ground temperature monitoring stations were installed in spring 2006 as the first step to extend the modelling to the remaining mountainous parts of the Yukon Territory. We selected sites within the four climatic regions encompassing discontinuous permafrost that we had not previously sampled: the Faro area (Central Yukon Basin region, extensive discontinuous zone), Johnson's Crossing (Pelly-Cassiar Mountains region, sporadic discontinuous zone), Sa Dena Hes mine (Liard Basin region, extensive discontinuous zone) and the Keno area (Ogilvie-Mackenzie Mountains region, extensive discontinuous zone). Each of the stations is equipped to measure air temperature, ground surface temperature, ground temperature at a depth of 1 m (to evaluate the thermal offset), and snow depth (interpreted from I-button miniature loggers installed on a stake). These measurements will not only be used for permafrost modelling but will generate a unique data-set of air and ground surface temperatures which will be employed to investigate the frequency of air temperature inversions, their relation to topography and their effect on permafrost. The first complete monthly results (July 2006) demonstrate the expected wide variability in air and ground surface temperatures at both regional and local scales that makes modelling mountain permafrost so challenging.

Compound-specific sulfur isotope analysis of thiadiamondoids of oils from the Smackover Formation, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zvi Gvirtzman,; Ward Said-Ahmad,; Ellis, Geoffrey S.; Ronald J. Hill,; J. Michael Moldowan,; Zhibin Wei,; Alon Amrani,

2015-01-01

Thiadiamondoids (TDs) are diamond-like compounds with a sulfide bond located within the cage structure. These compounds were suggested as a molecular proxy for the occurrence and extent of thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). Compound-specific sulfur-isotope analysis of TDs may create a multi-parameter system, based on molecular and δ34S values that may be sensitive over a wider range of TSR and thermal maturation stages. In this study, we analyzed a suite of 12 Upper Jurassic oil and condensate samples generated from source rocks in the Smackover Formation to perform a systematic study of the sulfur isotope distribution in thiadiamondoids (one and two cages). For comparison we measured the δ34S composition of benzothiophenes (BTs) and dibenzothiophenes (DBTs). We also conducted pyrolysis experiments with petroleum and model compounds to have an insight into the formation mechanisms of TDs. The δ34S of the TDs varied significantly (ca 30‰) between the different oils depending on the degree of TSR alteration. The results showed that within the same oil, the one-cage TDs were relatively uniform, with 34S enriched values similar to those of the coexisting BTs. The two-cage TDs had more variable δ34S values that range from the δ34S values of BTs to those of the DBTs, but with general 34S depletion relative to one cage TDs. Hydrous pyrolysis experiments (360 °C, 40 h) with either CaSO4 or elemental S (equivalent S molar concentrations) and adamantane as a model compound demonstrate the formation of one cage TDs in relatively low yields (<0.2%). Higher concentrations of TDs were observed in the elemental sulfur experiments, most likely because of the higher rates of reaction with adamantane under these experimental conditions. These results show that the formation of TDs is not exclusive to TSR reactions, and that they can also form by reaction with reduced S species apart from sulfate reduction, though at low yields. Oxygenated compounds, most notably 2-thiaadamantanone and phenol, were also formed during these pyrolysis experiments. This may represent the first stage in the formation of sulfurized compounds and the oxidation of organic matter under TSR conditions. Pyrolysis experiments with elemental S and a TD-enriched oil showed that the δ34S values of the TDs did not change, whereas the BTs did change significantly. It is therefore concluded that TDs do not exchange S atoms with coexisting inorganic reduced sulfur species. They can only change their δ34S values via addition of newly generated TDs that form predominantly during TSR. We therefore suggest that TDs will preserve their δ34S values even under high-temperature reservoir conditions and will reflect the original sulfates δ34S value. The combination of TDs, BTs, and DBTs δ34S values and concentrations allowed for a more reliable detection of the occurrence and extent of TSR than either proxy alone. It showed that except for two oils, all of the oils that were measured in this study were affected by TSR or TSR-sourced H2S, to some degree. It is still not known if some of the oils with the lower concentrations of TDs and enriched δ34S values (close to sulfate minerals) were affected by TSR or by a secondary charge of 34S-enriched H2S.

14 CFR Sec. 1-3 - General description of system of accounts and reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... reports. (a) This system of accounts and reports is designed to permit limited contraction or expansion to... comparability as between air carriers. In its administration three air carrier groups, designated Group I, Group II, and Group III, respectively (see section 04), are established by the BTS. This grouping will be...

14 CFR 248.4 - Time for filing reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) ECONOMIC REGULATIONS SUBMISSION OF AUDIT REPORTS § 248.4 Time for filing reports. The report required by... the appropriate periodic BTS Form 41 Report, filed for the 12-month period covered by the audit report, or the date the accountant submits its audit report to the air carrier, whichever is later. [ER-1351...

14 CFR Section 21 - Introduction to System of Reports

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... classification of large certificated air carriers into Group I, Group II, and Group III with the form and content differentiated as between groups. (d) Each schedule of the prescribed BTS Form 41 Report has been assigned a... U.S. Virgin Islands, and shall also include Canadian transborder operations. The reports to be...

14 CFR Sec. 1-6 - Accounting entities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Accounting entities. Sec. 1-6 Section 1-6... Provisions Sec. 1-6 Accounting entities. (a) Separate accounting records shall be maintained for each air transport entity for which separate reports to the BTS are required to be made by sections 21(g) and for...

The Commodity Flow Survey : A rich source of data on the movement of goods in the United States.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

The Commodity Flow Survey (CFS)is a joint effort by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and the U.S. Census Bureau. The CFS produces data on the type, value, weight, origin and destination, and mode of commodity shipments originating from U...

77 FR 66502 - Agency Information Collection Activity; Notice of Request for Approval to Collect New Information...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-05

... Statistics (BTS), Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), U.S. Department of Transportation... Transportation Statistics to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the following... Operations (DGMO) and the President/Business Agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689. It is...

78 FR 14153 - Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics; Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-04

... Transportation Statistics; Meeting AGENCY: Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), DOT. ACTION... Statistics (ACTS). The meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. E.S.T. in...., Washington, DC. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) will reschedule the meeting for a future date...

2016 Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Langholtz, M. H.; Stokes, B. J.; Eaton, L. M.

This product builds on previous efforts, namely the 2005 Billion-Ton Study (BTS) and the 2011 U.S. Billion-Ton Update (BT2).With each report, greater perspective is gained on the potential of biomass resources to contribute to a national energy strategy. Similarly, each successive report introduces new questions regarding commercialization challenges. BTS quantified the broad biophysical potential of biomass nationally, and BT2 elucidated the potential economic availability of these resources. These reports clearly established the potential availability of up to one billion tons of biomass resources nationally. However, many questions remain, including but not limited to crop yields, climate change impacts, logistical operations,more » and systems integration across production, harvest, and conversion. The present report aims to address many of these questions through empirically modeled energy crop yields, scenario analysis of resources delivered to biorefineries, and the addition of new feedstocks. Volume 2 of the 2016 Billion-Ton Report is expected to be released by the end of 2016. It seeks to evaluate environmental sustainability indicators of select scenarios from volume 1 and potential climate change impacts on future supplies.« less

Contamination status and accumulation profiles of organotins in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) found dead along the coasts of California, Washington, Alaska (USA), and Kamchatka (Russia)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Murata, S.; Takahashi, S.; Agusa, T.; Thomas, N.J.; Kannan, K.; Tanabe, S.

2008-01-01

Organotin compounds (OTs) including mono- to tri-butyltins, -phenyltins, and -octyltins were determined in the liver of adult sea otters (Enhydra lutris) found dead along the coasts of California, Washington, and Alaska in the USA and Kamchatka, Russia. Total concentrations of OTs in sea otters from California ranged from 34 to 4100 ng/g on a wet weight basis. The order of concentrations of OTs in sea otters was total butyltins ??? total octyltins ??? total phenyltins. Elevated concentrations of butyltins (BTs) were found in some otters classified under 'infectious-disease' mortality category. Concentrations of BTs in few of these otters were close to or above the threshold levels for adverse health effects. Total butyltin concentrations decreased significantly in the livers of California sea otters since the 1990s. Based on the concentrations of organotins in sea otters collected from 1992 to 2002, the half-lives of tributyltin and total butyltins in sea otters were estimated to be approximately three years. ?? 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exopolysaccharides produced by a clinical strain of Burkholderia cepacia isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient.

PubMed

Cescutti, Paola; Impallomeni, Giuseppe; Garozzo, Domenico; Sturiale, Luisa; Herasimenka, Yury; Lagatolla, Cristina; Rizzo, Roberto

2003-11-14

Burkholderia cepacia is an opportunistic pathogen involved in pulmonary infections related to cystic fibrosis. A clinical strain, BTS13, was isolated and the production of exopolysaccharides was tested growing the bacteria on two different media, one of which was rich in mannitol as carbon source. The primary structure of the polysaccharides was determined using mostly mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. On both media an exopolysaccharide having the following repeating unit was produced: -->5)-beta-Kdop-(2-->3)-beta-D-Galp2Ac-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Galp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1--> This polysaccharide has already been described as the biosynthetic product of another Burkholderia species, B. pseudomallei, the microbial agent causing melioidosis. In addition to this, when grown on the mannitol-rich medium, B. cepacia strain BTS13 produced another polysaccharide that was established to be levan: -->6)-beta-D-Fruf-(2-->. The content of levan was about 20% (w/w) of the total amount of polymers. The ability of B. cepacia to produce these two exopolysaccharides opens new perspectives in the investigation of the role of polysaccharides in lung infections.

Organotins and new antifouling biocides in water and sediments from three Korean Special Management Sea Areas following ten years of tributyltin regulation: Contamination profiles and risk assessment.

PubMed

Lam, Nguyen Hoang; Jeong, Hui-Ho; Kang, Su-Dong; Kim, Dae-Jin; Ju, Mi-Jo; Horiguchi, Toshihiro; Cho, Hyeon-Seo

2017-08-15

A simultaneous monitoring study on organotins (butyltins and phenyltins) and most frequently used alternative antifouling biocides (Irgarol 1051, Diuron, Sea-Nine 211 and M1) in water and sediments (n=44) collected from three Special Management Sea Areas operated by Korean government. The lower concentration of butyltins (BTs) than that of new antifouling biocides (NEW) was found in water but the significant greater concentration of BTs than that of NEW was still found in sediments. The tributyltin (TBT) levels in water exceeded the chronic criterion to protect seawater aquatic life at several sites. Even ten years after the ban of the use of TBT-based antifouling paint, the concentrations of TBT, Diuron and Irgarol 1051 in sediments from shipyards exceeded global sediment quality guidelines and potentially poses adverse risks on marine organisms and extremely high concentration of TBT up to 2304ng/g was found for a sediment collected at a shipyard. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Body temperatures in dinosaurs: what can growth curves tell us?

PubMed

Griebeler, Eva Maria

2013-01-01

To estimate the body temperature (BT) of seven dinosaurs Gillooly, Alleen, and Charnov (2006) used an equation that predicts BT from the body mass and maximum growth rate (MGR) with the latter preserved in ontogenetic growth trajectories (BT-equation). The results of these authors evidence inertial homeothermy in Dinosauria and suggest that, due to overheating, the maximum body size in Dinosauria was ultimately limited by BT. In this paper, I revisit this hypothesis of Gillooly, Alleen, and Charnov (2006). I first studied whether BTs derived from the BT-equation of today's crocodiles, birds and mammals are consistent with core temperatures of animals. Second, I applied the BT-equation to a larger number of dinosaurs than Gillooly, Alleen, and Charnov (2006) did. In particular, I estimated BT of Archaeopteryx (from two MGRs), ornithischians (two), theropods (three), prosauropods (three), and sauropods (nine). For extant species, the BT value estimated from the BT-equation was a poor estimate of an animal's core temperature. For birds, BT was always strongly overestimated and for crocodiles underestimated; for mammals the accuracy of BT was moderate. I argue that taxon-specific differences in the scaling of MGR (intercept and exponent of the regression line, log-log-transformed) and in the parameterization of the Arrhenius model both used in the BT-equation as well as ecological and evolutionary adaptations of species cause these inaccuracies. Irrespective of the found inaccuracy of BTs estimated from the BT-equation and contrary to the results of Gillooly, Alleen, and Charnov (2006) I found no increase in BT with increasing body mass across all dinosaurs (Sauropodomorpha, Sauropoda) studied. This observation questions that, due to overheating, the maximum size in Dinosauria was ultimately limited by BT. However, the general high inaccuracy of dinosaurian BTs derived from the BT-equation makes a reliable test of whether body size in dinosaurs was ultimately limited by overheating impossible.

Body Temperatures in Dinosaurs: What Can Growth Curves Tell Us?

PubMed Central

Griebeler, Eva Maria

2013-01-01

To estimate the body temperature (BT) of seven dinosaurs Gillooly, Alleen, and Charnov (2006) used an equation that predicts BT from the body mass and maximum growth rate (MGR) with the latter preserved in ontogenetic growth trajectories (BT-equation). The results of these authors evidence inertial homeothermy in Dinosauria and suggest that, due to overheating, the maximum body size in Dinosauria was ultimately limited by BT. In this paper, I revisit this hypothesis of Gillooly, Alleen, and Charnov (2006). I first studied whether BTs derived from the BT-equation of today’s crocodiles, birds and mammals are consistent with core temperatures of animals. Second, I applied the BT-equation to a larger number of dinosaurs than Gillooly, Alleen, and Charnov (2006) did. In particular, I estimated BT of Archaeopteryx (from two MGRs), ornithischians (two), theropods (three), prosauropods (three), and sauropods (nine). For extant species, the BT value estimated from the BT-equation was a poor estimate of an animal’s core temperature. For birds, BT was always strongly overestimated and for crocodiles underestimated; for mammals the accuracy of BT was moderate. I argue that taxon-specific differences in the scaling of MGR (intercept and exponent of the regression line, log-log-transformed) and in the parameterization of the Arrhenius model both used in the BT-equation as well as ecological and evolutionary adaptations of species cause these inaccuracies. Irrespective of the found inaccuracy of BTs estimated from the BT-equation and contrary to the results of Gillooly, Alleen, and Charnov (2006) I found no increase in BT with increasing body mass across all dinosaurs (Sauropodomorpha, Sauropoda) studied. This observation questions that, due to overheating, the maximum size in Dinosauria was ultimately limited by BT. However, the general high inaccuracy of dinosaurian BTs derived from the BT-equation makes a reliable test of whether body size in dinosaurs was ultimately limited by overheating impossible. PMID:24204568

Seminal plasma affects sperm sex sorting in boars.

PubMed

Alkmin, Diego V; Parrilla, Inmaculada; Tarantini, Tatiana; Del Olmo, David; Vazquez, Juan M; Martinez, Emilio A; Roca, Jordi

2016-04-01

Two experiments were conducted in boar semen samples to evaluate how both holding time (24h) and the presence of seminal plasma (SP) before sorting affect sperm sortability and the ability of sex-sorted spermatozoa to tolerate liquid storage. Whole ejaculate samples were divided into three aliquots immediately after collection: one was diluted (1:1, v/v) in Beltsville thawing solution (BTS; 50% SP); the SP of the other two aliquots was removed and the sperm pellets were diluted with BTS + 10% of their own SP (10% SP) or BTS alone (0% SP). The three aliquots of each ejaculate were divided into two portions, one that was processed immediately for sorting and a second that was sorted after 24h storage at 15-17°C. In the first experiment, the ability to exhibit well-defined X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm peaks (split) in the cytometry histogram and the subsequent sorting efficiency were assessed (20 ejaculates). In contrast with holding time, the SP proportion influenced the parameters examined, as evidenced by the higher number of ejaculates exhibiting split and better sorting efficiency (P<0.05) in semen samples with 0-10% SP compared with those with 50% SP. In a second experiment, the quality (viability, total and progressive motility) and functionality (plasma membrane fluidity and intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species) of sex-sorted spermatozoa were evaluated after 0, 72 and 120h storage at 15-17°C (10 ejaculates). Holding time and SP proportion did not influence the quality or functionality of stored sex-sorted spermatozoa. In conclusion, a holding time as long as 24h before sorting did not negatively affect sex sorting efficiency or the ability of sorted boar spermatozoa to tolerate long-term liquid storage. A high proportion of SP (50%) in the semen samples before sorting reduced the number of ejaculates to be sorted and negatively influenced the sorting efficiency, but did not affect the ability of sex-sorted spermatozoa to tolerate liquid storage.

Evaluation of exposure to electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation in the indoor workplace accessible to the public by the use of frequency-selective exposimeters.

PubMed

Gryz, Krzysztof; Karpowicz, Jolanta; Leszko, Wiesław; Zradziński, Patryk

2014-12-01

The aim of the study was to identify and assess electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation (EMRR) exposure in a workplace located in a publicly accessible environment, and represented by offices (where exposure is caused by various transmitters of local fixed indoor and outdoor wireless communication systems). The investigations were performed in 45 buildings (in urban and rural areas in various regions of Poland), using frequency-selective electric field strength (E-field) exposimeters sensitive to the EMRR with a frequency range of 88-2500 MHz, split into 12 sub-bands corresponding to the operating frequencies of typical EMRR sources. The variability of the E-field was analyzed for each frequency range and the total level of exposure by statistical parameters of recorded exposimetric profiles: minimum, maximum, median values and 25-75th - percentiles. The main sources of exposure to EMRR are mobile phone base transceiver stations (BTS) and radio-television transmitters (RTV). The frequency composition in a particular office depends on the building's location. The E-field recorded in buildings in urban and rural areas from the outdoor BTS did not exceed respectively: medians - 0.19 and 0.05 V/m, 75th percentiles -0.25 and 0.09 V/m. In buildings equipped with the indoor BTS antennas the E-field did not exceed: medians - 1 V/m, 75th percentiles - 1.8 V/m. Whereas in urban and rural areas, the median and 75th percentile values of the E-field recorded in buildings located near the RTV (within 1 km) did not exceed: 1.5 and 3.8 V/m or 0.4 and 0.8 V/m, for radio FM band or for TV bands, respectively. Investigations confirmed the practical applicability of the exposimetric measurements technique for evaluating parameters of worker's exposure in both frequency- and time-domain. The presented results show EMRR exposure of workers or general public in locations comparable to offices to be well below international limits.

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effects on human experimental pain of the selective ionotropic glutamate receptor 5 (iGluR5) antagonist LY545694 in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Petersen, Karin L; Iyengar, Smriti; Chappell, Amy S; Lobo, Evelyn D; Reda, Haatem; Prucka, William R; Verfaille, Steven J

2014-05-01

The objective of this study was to establish in healthy volunteers the maximally tolerated multiple dose (MTMD) of the ionotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist LY545694 (part A), and to investigate whether that dose had analgesic or antihyperalgesic effects in the brief thermal stimulation (BTS) pain model (Part B). Part A was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 3 groups of 10 healthy men. To simulate an extended-release formulation, study drug was administered orally over 6hours (12 equally divided aliquots at 30-minute intervals). Part B was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-dummy, 3-way crossover study in 27 healthy men. At each of the 3 study periods, subjects received either LY545694 (MTMD; as determined during part A) as a simulated, twice daily extended-release formulation for 4 doses over 3days, gabapentin (600mg 8hours apart; 6 doses over 3days; positive control), or matching placebo. The BTS model was induced twice with a 1-hour interval on each of the 2 study days, before drug administration and at the time of expected peak analgesia of LY545694. Plasma exposure for LY545694 was approximately linear over the 25- to 75-mg dose range. The MTMD of LY545694 was 25mg twice daily. Areas of secondary hyperalgesia were significantly smaller after administration of LY545694 and gabapentin compared with placebo (P<.0001 and P=.0004, respectively), but there was no difference between areas after administration of gabapentin and LY545694 (P=.400). Neither gabapentin nor LY545694 reduced the painfulness of skin heating during BTS model induction. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was dizziness. The results of this study suggest that LY545694 should be explored further as a potential treatment for chronic pain involving neuronal sensitization. Copyright © 2014 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Beginning Teachers' Self-Efficacy and Stress and the Supposed Effects of Induction Arrangements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Helms-Lorenz, Michelle; Slof, Bert; Vermue, Carlien E.; Canrinus, Esther T.

2012-01-01

Induction arrangements are implemented in schools all over the world to support beginning teachers (BTs) (novices) in gradually growing into their profession. The aim of this study is to gain more insight into two key psychological processes involved in the work of a qualified beginning teacher, namely perceived stress and self-efficacy. This…

77 FR 12365 - Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review: Submission of Audit Reports-Part 248

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-29

... independent public accountant. If a carrier does not have an annual audit, the carrier must file a statement... (BTS), DOT. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics invites the general public, industry and other...

75 FR 32317 - Proposed Revocation of Colored Federal Airway G-4; AK

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-08

...-0453; Airspace Docket No. 10-AAL-14] Proposed Revocation of Colored Federal Airway G-4; AK AGENCY... action proposes to remove Colored Federal Airway Green 4 (G-4) from the National Airspace System (NAS) in...) part 71 by removing Colored Federal airway G-4 associated with the planned BTS NDB decommissioning near...

Development of Non-prey Baits for Delivery of Acetaminophen to Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam. Version 3

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-14

BTS including commercial snake steak sausages, cotton rolls, plastic lizards, commercial canned meats, shrimp, chicken meat, and beef, but none were...experiment. Beef baits (≈ 5 g) were prepared from U.S. Chill bottom round roast ; DNM were 4-7 g. Seven experiments were conducted and Table 1

75 FR 6250 - Notice of Submission to OMB for an Information Collection: National Census of Ferry Operators

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-08

... ferry operations. The information to be collected will be used to produce a descriptive database of existing ferry operations. A summary report of survey findings will be published on the BTS Web page. The... conducted a survey of approximately 250 ferry operators to identify: (1) Existing ferry operations including...

Update on diagnostic value of breath test in gastrointestinal and liver diseases

PubMed Central

Siddiqui, Imran; Ahmed, Sibtain; Abid, Shahab

2016-01-01

In the field of gastroenterology, breath tests (BTs) are used intermittently as diagnostic tools that allow indirect, non-invasive and relatively less cumbersome evaluation of several disorders by simply quantifying the appearance in exhaled breath of a metabolite of a specific substrate administered. The aim of this review is to have an insight into the principles, methods of analysis and performance parameters of various hydrogen, methane and carbon BTs which are available for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders such as Helicobacter pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and carbohydrate malabsorption. Evaluation of gastric emptying is routinely performed by scintigraphy which is however, difficult to perform and not suitable for children and pregnant women, this review has abridged the 13C-octanoic acid test in comparison to scintigraphy and has emphasized on its working protocol and challenges. A new development such as electronic nose test is also highlighted. Moreover we have also explored the limitations and constraints restraining the wide use of these BT. We conclude that breath testing has an enormous potential to be used as a diagnostic modality. In addition it offers distinct advantages over the traditional invasive methods commonly employed. PMID:27574563

Production, purification, and characterization of lipase from thermophilic and alkaliphilic Bacillus coagulans BTS-3.

PubMed

Kumar, Satyendra; Kikon, Khyodano; Upadhyay, Ashutosh; Kanwar, Shamsher S; Gupta, Reena

2005-05-01

A thermophilic isolate Bacillus coagulans BTS-3 produced an extracellular alkaline lipase, the production of which was substantially enhanced when the type of carbon source, nitrogen source, and the initial pH of culture medium were consecutively optimized. Lipase activity 1.16 U/ml of culture medium was obtained in 48 h at 55 degrees C and pH 8.5 with refined mustard oil as carbon source and a combination of peptone and yeast extract (1:1) as nitrogen sources. The enzyme was purified 40-fold to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation and DEAE-Sepharose column chromatography. Its molecular weight was 31 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The enzyme showed maximum activity at 55 degrees C and pH 8.5, and was stable between pH 8.0 and 10.5 and at temperatures up to 70 degrees C. The enzyme was found to be inhibited by Al3+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ ions while K+, Fe3+, Hg2+, and Mg2+ ions enhanced the enzyme activity; Na+ ions have no effect on enzyme activity. The purified lipase showed a variable specificity/hydrolytic activity towards various 4-nitrophenyl esters.

Clinical pharmacology of sibutramine hydrochloride (BTS 54524), a new antidepressant, in healthy volunteers.

PubMed Central

King, D J; Devaney, N

1988-01-01

The cardiovascular, anticholinergic and central effects of single doses of 30, 45 and 60 mg of sibutramine hydrochloride (BTS 54524), a new potential antidepressant, were compared with amitriptyline (50 mg) and placebo given at weekly intervals in a randomised design to six healthy male volunteers. Sibutramine was associated with increases in both supine heart rate and systolic blood pressure at 1, 2 and 6 h after 60 mg (P less than 0.05). Amitriptyline caused a significant 50-60% decrease in salivation compared with placebo at 2 and 6 h but there were no changes with sibutramine. No significant changes in pupil size were detected with either drug. Visual analogue rating scales (VARS) revealed significant drowsiness with amitriptyline but neither sedative nor stimulant effects with sibutramine. Impairments of simple auditory and visual reaction times, visual two-choice reaction time, finger tapping and trail making, measured using an automated test battery, occurred with amitriptyline compared with sibutramine. If sibutramine proves to be an effective antidepressant it should be devoid of anticholinergic or central depressant effects. Chronic dosage studies are indicated to evaluate the clinical significance of its cardiovascular effects. PMID:3207566

A combined whelk watch suggests repeated TBT desorption pulses.

PubMed

Ruiz, J M; Albaina, N; Carro, B; Barreiro, R

2015-01-01

Environmental quality in coastal Europe has improved since the complete 2003 ban on the use of tributyltin (TBT) in antifouling paints. However, there is evidence that TBT is entering the water column, presumably from illegal practices. We determined the concentration of butyltins (BTs: TBT and derivatives) in populations of two gastropods, the rock snail Nucella lapillus (n=17) and the mud snail Nassarius reticulatus (n=18) at regular intervals from pre-ban times until 2009 and 2011, respectively, in NW Spain. Although a substantial decline in TBT occurred shortly after the ban, no significant changes were observed in either species over the last 3-year period of study. In addition, the proportion of TBT relative to the sum of BTs (a marker of recent pollution) in the most recent rock snail samples unexpectedly increased; this proportion therefore showed a generally decreasing but oscillatory trend over time. The results are consistent with the theoretical expectation of BT desorption from sediments; however, this natural phenomenon is now interpreted as a recurrent episode rather than a unique, transient event. Evidence of this subtle input improves our understanding of TBT persistence in the environment in Europe and worldwide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anion effects on anti-microbial activity of poly[1-vinyl-3-(2-sulfoethyl imidazolium betaine)].

PubMed

Garg, Godawari; Chauhan, Ghanshyam S; Gupta, Reena; Ahn, J-H

2010-04-01

Recent investigations in the anti-microbial properties of the functional polymers are predominantly focused on the structure of the cationic moieties. In the present study, we investigated that the nature of the anion present in polysulfobetaines affects activity against certain microorganisms and their anti-microbial properties have been rationalized in terms of the structure-activity relationship. Vinyl imidazolium-based polysulfobetaines were prepared by the quaternization of poly(N-vinyl imidazole) with sodium salt of 2-bromo ethanesulfonic acid. The bromide counter anion of the resulting polymer was exchanged with different anions to generate a series of polymers. These were characterized by FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM, elemental analysis (C, H, N and S) and viscosity measurements. The anti-microbial activity studies were carried against three fungi (Aspergillus niger, Byssochlamys fulva and Mucor circenelliods) and two bacteria (Bacillus coagulans BTS-3 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa BTS-2). The nature of the anion affects the structure of polysulfobetaine by realignment of polymer chains. The anion-dependent anti-microbial properties of polysulfobetaines result from the interaction of the microbes at the polymer interface. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

14 CFR 291.45 - BTS Schedule T-100, U.S. Air Carrier Traffic and Capacity Data by Nonstop Segment and On-Flight...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) must report joint services. (c) Service classes. (1) The statistical classifications are designed to... methodology. Refer to paragraph (i) of this appendix for microcomputer record layouts. (iii) Microcomputer... identifier field of the header labels should be “T-100.SYSTEM”. (h) Magnetic tape record layouts for T-100—(1...

14 CFR 291.45 - BTS Schedule T-100, U.S. Air Carrier Traffic and Capacity Data by Nonstop Segment and On-Flight...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...) must report joint services. (c) Service classes. (1) The statistical classifications are designed to... methodology. Refer to paragraph (i) of this appendix for microcomputer record layouts. (iii) Microcomputer... identifier field of the header labels should be “T-100.SYSTEM”. (h) Magnetic tape record layouts for T-100—(1...

14 CFR 291.45 - BTS Schedule T-100, U.S. Air Carrier Traffic and Capacity Data by Nonstop Segment and On-Flight...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...) must report joint services. (c) Service classes. (1) The statistical classifications are designed to... methodology. Refer to paragraph (i) of this appendix for microcomputer record layouts. (iii) Microcomputer... identifier field of the header labels should be “T-100.SYSTEM”. (h) Magnetic tape record layouts for T-100—(1...

14 CFR 291.45 - BTS Schedule T-100, U.S. Air Carrier Traffic and Capacity Data by Nonstop Segment and On-Flight...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...) must report joint services. (c) Service classes. (1) The statistical classifications are designed to... methodology. Refer to paragraph (i) of this appendix for microcomputer record layouts. (iii) Microcomputer... identifier field of the header labels should be “T-100.SYSTEM”. (h) Magnetic tape record layouts for T-100—(1...

14 CFR 291.45 - BTS Schedule T-100, U.S. Air Carrier Traffic and Capacity Data by Nonstop Segment and On-Flight...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...) must report joint services. (c) Service classes. (1) The statistical classifications are designed to... methodology. Refer to paragraph (i) of this appendix for microcomputer record layouts. (iii) Microcomputer... identifier field of the header labels should be “T-100.SYSTEM”. (h) Magnetic tape record layouts for T-100—(1...

A non-aggressive, highly efficient, enzymatic method for dissociation of human brain-tumors and brain-tissues to viable single-cells.

PubMed

Volovitz, Ilan; Shapira, Netanel; Ezer, Haim; Gafni, Aviv; Lustgarten, Merav; Alter, Tal; Ben-Horin, Idan; Barzilai, Ori; Shahar, Tal; Kanner, Andrew; Fried, Itzhak; Veshchev, Igor; Grossman, Rachel; Ram, Zvi

2016-06-01

Conducting research on the molecular biology, immunology, and physiology of brain tumors (BTs) and primary brain tissues requires the use of viably dissociated single cells. Inadequate methods for tissue dissociation generate considerable loss in the quantity of single cells produced and in the produced cells' viability. Improper dissociation may also demote the quality of data attained in functional and molecular assays due to the presence of large quantities cellular debris containing immune-activatory danger associated molecular patterns, and due to the increased quantities of degraded proteins and RNA. Over 40 resected BTs and non-tumorous brain tissue samples were dissociated into single cells by mechanical dissociation or by mechanical and enzymatic dissociation. The quality of dissociation was compared for all frequently used dissociation enzymes (collagenase, DNase, hyaluronidase, papain, dispase) and for neutral protease (NP) from Clostridium histolyticum. Single-cell-dissociated cell mixtures were evaluated for cellular viability and for the cell-mixture dissociation quality. Dissociation quality was graded by the quantity of subcellular debris, non-dissociated cell clumps, and DNA released from dead cells. Of all enzymes or enzyme combinations examined, NP (an enzyme previously not evaluated on brain tissues) produced dissociated cell mixtures with the highest mean cellular viability: 93 % in gliomas, 85 % in brain metastases, and 89 % in non-tumorous brain tissue. NP also produced cell mixtures with significantly less cellular debris than other enzymes tested. Dissociation using NP was non-aggressive over time-no changes in cell viability or dissociation quality were found when comparing 2-h dissociation at 37 °C to overnight dissociation at ambient temperature. The use of NP allows for the most effective dissociation of viable single cells from human BTs or brain tissue. Its non-aggressive dissociative capacity may enable ambient-temperature shipping of tumor pieces in multi-center clinical trials, meanwhile being dissociated. As clinical grade NP is commercially available it can be easily integrated into cell-therapy clinical trials in neuro-oncology. The high quality viable cells produced may enable investigators to conduct more consistent research by avoiding the experimental artifacts associated with the presence dead cells or cellular debris.

Production of miltiradiene by metabolically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Dai, Zhubo; Liu, Yi; Huang, Luqi; Zhang, Xueli

2012-11-01

Metabolic engineering of microorganisms is an alternative and attractive route for production of valuable terpenoids that are usually extracted from plant sources. Tanshinones are the bioactive components of Salvia miltiorrhizha Bunge, which is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine widely used for treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. As a step toward microbial production of tanshinones, copalyl diphosphate (CPP) synthase, and normal CPP kaurene synthase-like genes, which convert the universal diterpenoid precursor geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) to miltiradiene (an important intermediate of the tanshinones synthetic pathway), was introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae, resulting in production of 4.2 mg/L miltiradiene. Improving supplies of isoprenoid precursors was then investigated for increasing miltiradiene production. Although over-expression of a truncated 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (tHMGR) and a mutated global regulatory factor (upc2.1) gene did improve supply of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), production of miltiradiene was not increased while large amounts of squalene (78 mg/L) were accumulated. In contrast, miltiradiene production increased to 8.8 mg/L by improving supply of GGPP through over-expression of a fusion gene of FPP synthase (ERG20) and endogenous GGPP synthase (BTS1) together with a heterologous GGPP synthase from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius (SaGGPS). Auxotrophic markers in the episomal plasmids were then replaced by antibiotic markers, so that engineered yeast strains could use rich medium to obtain better cell growth while keeping plasmid stabilities. Over-expressing ERG20-BTS1 and SaGGPS genes increased miltiradiene production from 5.4 to 28.2 mg/L. Combinatorial over-expression of tHMGR-upc2.1 and ERG20-BTS1-SaGGPS genes had a synergetic effects on miltiradiene production, increasing titer to 61.8 mg/L. Finally, fed-batch fermentation was performed, and 488 mg/L miltiradiene was produced. The yeast strains engineered in this work provide a basis for creating an alternative way for production of tanshinones in place of extraction from plant sources. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Global Sea Surface Temperature: A Harmonized Multi-sensor Time-series from Satellite Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merchant, C. J.

2017-12-01

This paper presents the methods used to obtain a new global sea surface temperature (SST) dataset spanning the early 1980s to the present, intended for use as a climate data record (CDR). The dataset provides skin SST (the fundamental measurement) and an estimate of the daily mean SST at depths compatible with drifting buoys (adjusting for skin and diurnal variability). The depth SST provided enables the CDR to be used with in situ records and centennial-scale SST reconstructions. The new SST timeseries is as independent as possible from in situ observations, and from 1995 onwards is harmonized to an independent satellite reference (namely, SSTs from the Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (Advanced ATSR)). This maximizes the utility of our new estimates of variability and long-term trends in interrogating previous datasets tied to in situ observations. The new SSTs include full resolution (swath, level 2) data, single-sensor gridded data (level 3, 0.05 degree latitude-longitude grid) and a multi-sensor optimal analysis (level 4, same grid). All product levels are consistent. All SSTs have validated uncertainty estimates attached. The sensors used include all Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometers from NOAA-6 onwards and the ATSR series. AVHRR brightness temperatures (BTs) are calculated from counts using a new in-flight re-calibration for each sensor, ultimately linked through to the AATSR BT calibration by a new harmonization technique. Artefacts in AVHRR BTs linked to varying instrument temperature, orbital regime and solar contamination are significantly reduced. These improvements in the AVHRR BTs (level 1) translate into improved cloud detection and SST (level 2). For cloud detection, we use a Bayesian approach for all sensors. For the ATSRs, SSTs are derived with sufficient accuracy and sensitivity using dual-view coefficients. This is not the case for single-view AVHRR observations, for which a physically based retrieval is employed, using a hybrid maximum a posteriori / maximum likelihood retrieval, which optimises retrieval uncertainty and SST sensitivity for climate applications. Validation results will be presented along with examples of the variability and trends in SST evident in the dataset.

3D hand motion trajectory prediction from EEG mu and beta bandpower.

PubMed

Korik, A; Sosnik, R; Siddique, N; Coyle, D

2016-01-01

A motion trajectory prediction (MTP) - based brain-computer interface (BCI) aims to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) trajectory of upper limb movement using electroencephalography (EEG). The most common MTP BCI employs a time series of bandpass-filtered EEG potentials (referred to here as the potential time-series, PTS, model) for reconstructing the trajectory of a 3D limb movement using multiple linear regression. These studies report the best accuracy when a 0.5-2Hz bandpass filter is applied to the EEG. In the present study, we show that spatiotemporal power distribution of theta (4-8Hz), mu (8-12Hz), and beta (12-28Hz) bands are more robust for movement trajectory decoding when the standard PTS approach is replaced with time-varying bandpower values of a specified EEG band, ie, with a bandpower time-series (BTS) model. A comprehensive analysis comprising of three subjects performing pointing movements with the dominant right arm toward six targets is presented. Our results show that the BTS model produces significantly higher MTP accuracy (R~0.45) compared to the standard PTS model (R~0.2). In the case of the BTS model, the highest accuracy was achieved across the three subjects typically in the mu (8-12Hz) and low-beta (12-18Hz) bands. Additionally, we highlight a limitation of the commonly used PTS model and illustrate how this model may be suboptimal for decoding motion trajectory relevant information. Although our results, showing that the mu and beta bands are prominent for MTP, are not in line with other MTP studies, they are consistent with the extensive literature on classical multiclass sensorimotor rhythm-based BCI studies (classification of limbs as opposed to motion trajectory prediction), which report the best accuracy of imagined limb movement classification using power values of mu and beta frequency bands. The methods proposed here provide a positive step toward noninvasive decoding of imagined 3D hand movements for movement-free BCIs. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Influence of toxin botulin on walk stereotype of children with juvenile cerebral palsy. The functional examination performed by BTS, comprehensive movement analysis system. A preliminary report].

PubMed

Kwiecień-Czerwieniec, Ilona; Krukowska, Jolanta; Woldańska-Okońska, Marta

2014-01-01

Juvenile Cerebral Palsy--is caused by damage of the motor control centers of the developing brain (cerebral refers to the cerebrum, which is the affected area of the brain, although the disorder probably involves connections between the cortex and other parts of the brain and palsy refers to disorder of movement). The clinical symptoms of juvenile cerebral palsy are very diversified and include gross and fine motor-coordination disorders, manual ability, locomotion, perception and response, speech, psychomotor retardation, emotional disorders. The primary therapeutic problem in children with cerebral palsy is learning to move in a lower position and learning to walk. The aim of this research is evaluation the action of the botulinum toxin on gait pattern of children with cerebral palsy. Application of a comprehensive BTS analysis of gait will get accurate, consistent EBM (Evidence Base Medicine) results. The children with pyramidal syndrome of juvenile cerebral palsy have been included in the examinations. The children have been divided into 2 random groups: group I--children treated with standard therapy a neurodevelopmental rehabilitation and classic kinesiotherapy, group II--hildren treated with standard therapy --eurodevelopmental rehabilitation, classic kinesiotherapy and a botulinum toxin. The children were examined three times: before the therapy, after 6 weeks of treatment and after 3 months of treatment. In the research BTS comprehensive motion analysis system have been used where influence of toxin botulin on walk stereotype of children was assessed. The treatment connected with standard rehabilitation and using botulinum toxin brings quicker walk improvement. Comparing the above treatment methods of influence on the walk stereotype of children with juvenile cerebral palsy, we can confirm, that standard treatment brings regular improvement, still, it requires longer period of time, often even 3 months. Using botulinum toxin brings quicker walk improvement, after 6 weeks only, which is a clear, but short-term result. Botulinum toxin has a positive effect on gait parameters in children, especially until 3 months, after this time parameters are not better..Concomitant treatment with standard therapy and botulinum toxin should be used becouse it is possitive treatment for locomotion of children with cerebral palsy.

Permeation of hair dye ingredients, p-phenylenediamine and aminophenol isomers, through protective gloves.

PubMed

Lee, Hsiao-Shu; Lin, Yu-Wen

2009-04-01

Skin irritation and contact allergies are skin disorders common to hairdressers. The predominant oxidative hair dye components, such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and aminophenol isomers, can cause contact dermatitis. Use of protective gloves can prevent dermal contact with skin irritants. This study investigates the permeation behaviors of p-aminophenol (PAP), m-aminophenol (MAP), o-aminophenol (OAP) and PPD in single and mixed challenge solutions with disposable natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves, disposable polyvinylchloride (PVC) gloves and neoprene (NP) gloves. The challenge solutions were 4% PPD (w/v), 3% OAP (w/v), 2% PAP (w/v) and 2% MAP (w/v) in ethanol or 12% hydrogen peroxide solutions. The cocktail solutions of the four chemicals were also tested. An American Society for Testing and Materials type permeation cell, ethanol liquid collection and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection of samples taken from the collection medium every 10 min facilitated determination of breakthrough times (BTs), cumulative permeated masses and steady-state permeation rates (SSPRs). Experiments were 4 h long for the NRL and PVC gloves and 8 h for NP gloves. No chemicals tested broke through the NP gloves when exposed for 8 h. In the ethanol solution, PPD and OAP started breaking through the PVC gloves at 40 min. The SSPRs of PVC gloves were higher than those for NRL gloves in all challenge conditions for both single chemicals and mixtures. No tested chemicals in hydrogen peroxide solutions permeated the gloves during the 4-h tests. The chemical composition of the challenge solution was a main effecter of BTs and SSPRs for the NRL glove. For disposable PVC gloves, the main factors of BTs were molecular size [molar volume (MV)] and polarity (logK(ow)), and the primary factors of SSPRs were concentration, MV and logK(ow). In conclusion, disposable NRL gloves and disposable PVC gloves should not be used repeatedly for handling the hair dye products. Hydrogen peroxide did not accelerate chemical breakthrough. The compositions of the challenge solutions and physical and chemical properties (MV and logK(ow)) affected permeation behaviors for different gloves.

Estimates of Single Sensor Error Statistics for the MODIS Matchup Database Using Machine Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, C.; Podesta, G. P.; Minnett, P. J.; Kilpatrick, K. A.

2017-12-01

Sea surface temperature (SST) is a fundamental quantity for understanding weather and climate dynamics. Although sensors aboard satellites provide global and repeated SST coverage, a characterization of SST precision and bias is necessary for determining the suitability of SST retrievals in various applications. Guidance on how to derive meaningful error estimates is still being developed. Previous methods estimated retrieval uncertainty based on geophysical factors, e.g. season or "wet" and "dry" atmospheres, but the discrete nature of these bins led to spatial discontinuities in SST maps. Recently, a new approach clustered retrievals based on the terms (excluding offset) in the statistical algorithm used to estimate SST. This approach resulted in over 600 clusters - too many to understand the geophysical conditions that influence retrieval error. Using MODIS and buoy SST matchups (2002 - 2016), we use machine learning algorithms (recursive and conditional trees, random forests) to gain insight into geophysical conditions leading to the different signs and magnitudes of MODIS SST residuals (satellite SSTs minus buoy SSTs). MODIS retrievals were first split into three categories: < -0.4 C, -0.4 C ≤ residual ≤ 0.4 C, and > 0.4 C. These categories are heavily unbalanced, with residuals > 0.4 C being much less frequent. Performance of classification algorithms is affected by imbalance, thus we tested various rebalancing algorithms (oversampling, undersampling, combinations of the two). We consider multiple features for the decision tree algorithms: regressors from the MODIS SST algorithm, proxies for temperature deficit, and spatial homogeneity of brightness temperatures (BTs), e.g., the range of 11 μm BTs inside a 25 km2 area centered on the buoy location. These features and a rebalancing of classes led to an 81.9% accuracy when classifying SST retrievals into the < -0.4 C and -0.4 C ≤ residual ≤ 0.4 C categories. Spatial homogeneity in BTs consistently appears as a very important variable for classification, suggesting that unidentified cloud contamination still is one of the causes leading to negative SST residuals. Precision and accuracy of error estimates from our decision tree classifier are enhanced using this knowledge.

Exploiting nonlinear properties of pure and Sn-doped Bi2Te2Se for passive Q-switching of all-polarization maintaining ytterbium- and erbium-doped fiber lasers.

PubMed

Bogusławski, Jakub; Kowalczyk, Maciej; Iwanowski, Przemysław; Hruban, Andrzej; Diduszko, Ryszard; Piotrowski, Kazimierz; Dybko, Krzysztof; Wojciechowski, Tomasz; Aleszkiewicz, Marta; Sotor, Jarosław

2017-08-07

Due to their broadband nonlinear optical properties, low-dimensional materials are widely used for pulse generation in fiber and solid-state lasers. Here we demonstrate novel materials, Bi 2 Te 2 Se (BTS) and Sn-doped Bi 2 Te 2 Se (BSTS), which can be used as a universal saturable absorbers for distinct spectral regimes. The material was mechanically exfoliated from a bulk single-crystal and deposited onto a side-polished fiber. We have performed characterization of the fabricated devices and employed them in polarization-maintaining ytterbium- and erbium-doped fiber lasers. This enabled us to obtain self-starting passively Q-switched regime at 1 µm and 1.56 µm. The oscillators emitted stable, linearly polarized radiation with the highest single pulse energy approaching 692 nJ. Both lasers are characterized by the best performance observed in all-polarization maintaining Q-switched fiber lasers with recently investigated new saturable absorbers, which was enabled by a very high damage threshold of the devices. This demonstrates the great potential of the investigated materials for the ultrafast photonics community.

Increasing retention in care of HIV-positive women in PMTCT services through continuous quality improvement-breakthrough (CQI-BTS) series in primary and secondary health care facilities in Nigeria: a cluster randomized controlled trial. The Lafiyan Jikin Mata Study.

PubMed

Oyeledun, Bolanle; Oronsaye, Frank; Oyelade, Taiwo; Becquet, Renaud; Odoh, Deborah; Anyaike, Chukwuma; Ogirima, Francis; Ameh, Bernice; Ajibola, Abiola; Osibo, Bamidele; Imarhiagbe, Collins; Abutu, Inedu

2014-11-01

Rates of retention in care of HIV-positive pregnant women in care programs in Nigeria remain generally poor with rates around 40% reported for specific programs. Poor quality of services in health facilities and long waiting times are among the critical factors militating against retention of these women in care. The aim of the interventions in this study is to assess whether a continuous quality improvement intervention using a Breakthrough Series approach in local district hospitals and primary health care clinics will lead to improved retention of HIV-positive women and mothers. A cluster randomized controlled trial with 32 health facilities randomized to receive a continuous quality improvement/Breakthrough Series intervention or not. The care protocol for HIV-infected pregnant women and mothers is the same in all sites. The quality improvement intervention started 4 months before enrollment of individual HIV-infected pregnant women and initially focused on reducing waiting times for women and also ensuring that antiretroviral drugs are dispensed on the same day as clinic attendance. The primary outcome measure is retention of HIV-positive mothers in care at 6 months postpartum. Results of this trial will inform whether quality improvement interventions are an effective means of improving retention in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programs and will also guide where health system interventions should focus to improve the quality of care for HIV-positive women. This will benefit policymakers and program managers as they seek to improve retention rates in HIV care programs.

Renewal of the Nellis Air Force Range Land Withdrawal Legislative Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 2: Comments, Responses, and Appendices

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-03-01

Dendrolca nlgreSC8ns) BTS - Black - throated Sparrow (Amphlsplza billneata) C - Coyote (Canus latrans) CH - Chukar (Aiectoris chukar) CM - California...elgn: (WS): AB - American Badger (Taxldea taxus) Habitat Quality Value AR - American Robin (Turdus migrator/us) BG - Black - throated Gray Warbler...Myotis Bat (Myotis californlcus) CO - Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttalll) CR - Common Raven (Corvus corax) CS - Chipping Sparrow ( Spizella

A New Formulation for the Removal and Remediation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Painted Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quinn, Jacqueline; Brooks, Kathleen; Geiger, Cherie; Clausen, Christian

2009-01-01

This new technology report will describe the laboratory development of a new and innovative solution for the removal and destruction of PCBs found in painted structures or within the binding or caulking material on structures. The technology incorporates a Bimetallic Treatment System (BTS) that extracts and degrades only the PCBs found on the facilities, leaving in most cases the structure virtually unaltered.

Improving post-stroke cognitive and behavioral abnormalities by using virtual reality: A case report on a novel use of nirvana.

PubMed

De Luca, Rosaria; Torrisi, Michele; Piccolo, Adriana; Bonfiglio, Giovanni; Tomasello, Provvidenza; Naro, Antonino; Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

2017-10-11

Cognitive impairment, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, occur frequently in patients following stroke. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a combined rehabilitative treatment using conventional relaxation and respiratory techniques, in a specific rehabilitative virtual environment (by using Bts-Nirvana). A 58-year-old woman, affected by hemorrhagic stroke, underwent two different rehabilitation trainings, including either standard relaxation techniques alone in a common clinical setting or the same psychological approach in a semi-immersive virtual environment with an augmented sensorial (audio-video) and motor feedback (sensory motor-interaction). We evaluated the patient's cognitive and psychological profile before and after the two different trainings, by using a specific psychometric battery, aimed to assess cognitive status, attention processes and to estimate the presence of mood alterations, anxiety and coping strategies. Only at the end of the combined approach, we observed a significant improvement in attention and memory functions, with a nearly complete relief of anxiety symptoms and an improvement in coping strategies. Relaxation and respiratory techniques in a semi-immersive virtual reality environment, using Bts-Nirvana, may be a promising tool in improving attention process, coping strategies, and anxiety in individuals with neurological disorders, including stroke.

Assessment of COSMIC radio occultation and AIRS hyperspectral IR sounder temperature products in the stratosphere using observed radiances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feltz, M. L.; Knuteson, R. O.; Revercomb, H. E.

2017-08-01

Upper air temperature is defined as an essential climate variable by the World Meteorological Organization. Two remote sensing technologies being promoted for monitoring stratospheric temperatures are GPS radio occultation (RO) and spectrally resolved IR radiances. This study assesses RO and hyperspectral IR sounder derived temperature products within the stratosphere by comparing IR spectra calculated from GPS RO and IR sounder products to coincident IR observed radiances, which are used as a reference standard. RO dry temperatures from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) mission are compared to NASA Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) retrievals using a previously developed profile-to-profile collocation method and vertical temperature averaging kernels. Brightness temperatures (BTs) are calculated for both COSMIC and AIRS temperature products and are then compared to coincident AIRS measurements. The COSMIC calculated minus AIRS measured BTs exceed the estimated 0.5 K measurement uncertainty for the winter time extratropics around 35 hPa. These differences are attributed to seasonal UCAR COSMIC biases. Unphysical vertical oscillations are seen in the AIRS L2 temperature product in austral winter Antarctic regions, and results imply a small AIRS tropical warm bias around 35 hPa in the middle stratosphere.

Trace elements in muscle of three fish species from Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia State, Brazil.

PubMed

de Santana, Carolina Oliveira; de Jesus, Taíse Bomfim; de Aguiar, William Moura; de Jesus Sant'anna Franca-Rocha, Washington; Soares, Carlos Alberto Caroso

2017-03-01

In this study, an analysis was performed on the concentrations of the trace elements Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in muscle of two carnivorous and one planktivorous fish species collected at Todos os Santos Bay (BTS). The accumulation order of the trace elements in Lutjanus analis was Al >Zn >Fe >Cr >Ba >Ni. In Cetengraulis edentulus, the order was Al >Fe >Zn >Cr >Ni >Mn >As. In the species Diapterus rhombeus, the order was Al >Fe >Zn >Cr >Ni >Mn >Cd. To determine the risk related to the consumption of fish, toxicity guidelines were used as standard references. It was observed that the species C. edentulus contained concentrations of As exceeding WHO limits, but these concentrations were acceptable according to the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) guidelines. Cd levels were found only in D. rhombeus and in low concentrations according to the determinations of WHO and ANVISA. Pb levels were not detected in any of the three fish species. The analyzed elements did not differ statistically according to the species and feeding habits. The results point to possible risks of human contamination by As related to the consumption of the fish species C. edentulus from the BTS.

Satellite DNA methylation status and expression of selected genes in Bos indicus blastocysts produced in vivo and in vitro.

PubMed

Urrego, R; Bernal-Ulloa, S M; Chavarría, N A; Herrera-Puerta, E; Lucas-Hahn, A; Herrmann, D; Winkler, S; Pache, D; Niemann, H; Rodriguez-Osorio, N

2017-04-01

Bovine embryos produced in vivo and in vitro differ with respect to molecular profiles, including epigenetic marks and gene expression profiles. This study investigated the CpG methylation status in bovine testis satellite I (BTS) and Bos taurus alpha satellite I (BTαS) DNA sequences, and concomitantly the relative abundance of transcripts, critically involved in DNA methylation (DNMT1 and DNMT3A), growth and development (IGF2R) and pluripotency (POU5F1) in Bos indicus embryos produced in vitro or in vivo. Results revealed that methylation of BTS were higher (P < 0.05) in embryos produced in vitro compared with their in vivo produced counterparts, while the methylation status of BTαS was similar in both groups. There were no significant differences in transcript abundance for DNMT3A, IGF2R and POU5F1 between blastocysts produced in vivo and in vitro. However, a significantly lower amount of DNMT1 transcripts was found in the in vitro cultured embryos (P < 0.05) compared with their in vivo derived counterparts. In conclusion, this study reported only minor changes in the expression of developmentally important genes and satellite DNA methylation related to the in vitro embryo production system.

Trust in Leadership DEOCS 4.1 Construct Validity Summary

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-01

Item Corrected Item- Total Correlation Cronbach’s Alpha if Item Deleted Four-point Scale Items I can depend on my immediate supervisor to meet...1974) were used to assess the fit between the data and the factor. The BTS hypothesizes that the correlation matrix is an identity matrix. The...to reject the null hypothesis that the correlation matrix is an identity, and to conclude that the factor analysis is an appropriate method to

The ZTF Bright Transient Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fremling, C.; Sharma, Y.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Miller, A. A.; Taggart, K.; Perley, D. A.; Gooba, A.

2018-06-01

As a supplement to the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF; ATel #11266) public alerts (ATel #11685) we plan to report (following ATel #11615) bright probable supernovae identified in the raw alert stream from the ZTF Northern Sky Survey ("Celestial Cinematography"; see Bellm & Kulkarni, 2017, Nature Astronomy 1, 71) to the Transient Name Server (https://wis-tns.weizmann.ac.il) on a daily basis; the ZTF Bright Transient Survey (BTS; see Kulkarni et al., 2018; arXiv:1710.04223).

Shoulder Functional Electrical Stimulation During Wheelchair Propulsion in Spinal Cord Injury Subjects.

PubMed

Freixes, Orestes; Fernandez, Sergio Anibal; Gatti, Marcelo Andres; Crespo, Marcos Jose; Olmos, Lisandro Emilio; Russo, Maria Julieta

2017-01-01

Background: Subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) propel their wheelchairs by generating a different level of muscle activity given their multiple deficits in muscle strength. Exercise training programs seem to be effective in improving wheelchair propulsion capacity. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy is a complementary tool for rehabilitation programs. Objectives : To determine the accuracy of the synchronization between the FES activation and the push phase of the propulsion cycle by using hand pressure sensors that allow anterior deltoids activation when the hand is in contact with the pushrim. Methods: We analyzed 2 subjects, with injuries at C6 American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A and T12 AIS A. The stimulation parameters were set for a 30 Hz frequency symmetrical biphasic wave, 300 μs pulse width. Data were collected as participants propelled the wheelchair over a 10-m section of smooth, level vinyl floor. Subjects were evaluated in a motion analysis laboratory (ELITE; BTS, Milan, Italy). Results: Subject 1 showed synchronization between the FES activation and the push phase of 87.5% in the left hand and of 80% in the right hand. Subject 2 showed synchronization of 95.1% in the left and of hand 94.9% in the right hand. Conclusion : Our study determined a high accuracy of a novel FES therapeutic option, showing the synchronization between the electrical stimulation and the push phase of the propulsion cycle.

There is another way: empowering frontline staff caring for acutely unwell adults.

PubMed

Turkington, Peter; Power, Maxine; Hunt, Carianne; Ward, Christine; Donaldson, Emma; Bellerby, John; Murphy, Peter

2014-02-01

It is estimated that only 17% of patients survive an in-hospital cardiac arrest. Medical evidence indicates that many patients show signs of deterioration during the 24 h period prior to their cardiac arrest. At Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (SRFT) 135 patients (outside critical care areas) suffered a cardiac arrest between March 2007 and April 2008. Quality improvement method-The breakthrough series (BTS) collaborative approach, change package-reliable manual vital signs, nurse-led response to the deteriorating patient, code red, structured ward round, ceilings of care, nurse-led do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNA-CPR) protocol and allocated roles. The project was delivered over two phases with a total of 23 wards (12 wards in Phase One and 11 wards in Phase Two). Frontline teams worked to develop changes with the aim of reducing cardiac arrests by 50%. The primary outcome measure was the number of cardiac arrests per 1000 admissions outside of critical care areas. Process and balancing measures were also used to evaluate the impact of the intervention. The results showed a positive relationship between the change package and a reduction of 41% in cardiac arrests outside of critical care areas from the baseline period (April 2007-March 2008) to December 2012. The BTS model has the potential to reduce cardiac arrests without the need for initial large-scale financial investment.

Correlations between Angular Velocities in Selected Joints and Velocity of Table Tennis Racket during Topspin Forehand and Backhand.

PubMed

Bańkosz, Ziemowit; Winiarski, Sławomir

2018-06-01

The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between angular velocities in individual joints and racket velocity for different topspin forehand and backhand strokes in table tennis. Ten elite female table tennis players participated, presenting different kinds of topspin forehands and backhands - after a no-spin ball (FH1, BH1), after a backspin ball (FH2, BH2) and "heavy" topspin (FH3, BH3). Range of motion was measured with the BTS Smart-E (BTS Bioengineering, Milan, Italy) motion analysis system with a specially developed marker placement protocol for the upper body parts and an acoustic sensor attached to the racket to identify ball-racket contact. In forehand strokes angular velocities of internal arm rotation and adduction in shoulder joint correlated with racket velocity. Racket velocity was correlated with angular velocities (hip extension on the playing side; hip flexion on the opposite side; ankle flexion) in the case of a topspin forehand performed with maximal force -"heavy" topspin (FH3). In backhand strokes the velocities of arm abduction and shoulder girdle rotation towards the playing side correlated with racket velocity. The angular velocity of internal arm rotation and adduction in shoulder joint may be important components of a coordinated stroke, whilst angular velocity can substantially affect the racket speed when one is changing the type of stroke.

Microgravity Research Results and Experiences from the NASA Mir Space Station Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schagheck, R. A.; Trach, B.

2000-01-01

The Microgravity Research Program Office (MRPO) participated aggressively in Phase I of the International Space Station Program using the Russian Mir Space Station. The Mir Station offered an otherwise unavailable opportunity to explore the advantages and challenges to long duration microgravity space research. Payloads with both NASA and commercial backing were included as well as cooperative research with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). From this experience, much was learned about dealing with long duration on orbit science utilization and developing new working relationships with our Russian partner to promote efficient planning, operations, and integration to solve complexities associated with a multiple partner program. Microgravity participation in the NASA Mir Program began with the first joint NASA Mir flight to the Mir Space Station. The earliest participation setup acceleration measurement capabilities that were used throughout the Program. Research, conducted by all Microgravity science disciplines, continued on each subsequent increment for the entire three-year duration of the Program. The Phase I Program included the Microgravity participation of over 30 Fluids, Combustion, Materials, and Biotechnology Sciences and numerous commercially sponsored research payloads. In addition to the research gained from Microgravity investigations, long duration operation of facility hardware was tested. Microgravity facilities operated on Mir included the Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS), the Microgravity Glovebox (MGBX), the Biotechnology System (BTS) and the Canadian Space Agency sponsored Microgravity Isolation Mount (MIM). The Russian OPTIZONE Furnace was also incorporated into our material science research. All of these efforts yielded significant and useful scientific research data. This paper focuses on the microgravity research conducted onboard the Mir space station. It includes the Program preparation and planning necessary to support this type of cross increment research experience; the payloads which were flown; and summaries of significant microgravity science findings. Most importantly this paper highlights the various disciplines of microgravity research conducted during the International Space Station, Phase 1 Program onboard the Mir Station. A capsulation of significant research and the applicability of our findings are provided. In addition, a brief discussion of how future microgravity science gathering capabilities, hardware development and payload operations techniques have enhanced our ability to conduct long duration microgravity research.

Ground surface thermal regime of rock glaciers in the High Tatra Mts., Slovakia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uxa, Tomáš; Mida, Peter

2017-04-01

Numerous lobate- or tongue-shaped debris accumulations, mostly interpreted as rock glaciers, have recently been recognized in the High Tatra Mts., Slovakia (49˚ 10' N, 20˚ 08' E). These prominent landforms arise due to creep of voluminous debris-ice mixtures, and as such they are excellent indicators of present or past permafrost existence. Hence rock glaciers are extensively utilized to model the distribution of permafrost in mountain areas. However, commonly applied rules of thumb may not be entirely indicative to discriminate particularly between the inactive (permafrost in disequilibrium with present climate) and relict (without permafrost) rock glaciers, which may substantially complicate permafrost modelling. Accordingly, the information about their thermal state is essential to calibrate and validate regional permafrost models. Limited ground temperature data have been, however, available from the High Tatra Mts. to date and therefore, we bring the updated and enhanced results from the thermal investigations of eleven rock glaciers located in the Slavkovská dolina and Veľká Studená dolina valleys at elevations between 1832 and 2090 m asl. Ground surface temperature (GST) has been continuously monitored at seven rock glaciers between October 2014 and September 2016 using nine Minikin Tie (EMS Brno Inc.) and iButton DS1922L (Maxim Integrated Inc.) loggers with an accuracy of ±0.2 and ±0.5 ˚ C, respectively. In addition, the bottom temperature of snow (BTS) was measured at 306 locations during spring of 2015 and 2016 to map potential permafrost occurrence within all the surveyed rock glaciers and in their immediate surroundings. Mean annual ground surface temperature (MAGST) of the rock glaciers ranged between -1.3 ˚ C and +2.6 ˚ C and averaged +1.0 ˚ C and +0.8 ˚ C in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, respectively. Two sites continually showed negative MAGST and two other sites were below +0.5 ˚ C and +1.0 ˚ C, respectively. This strongly contrasts with mean annual air temperature (MAAT), which averaged +2.3 ˚ C in both years (estimated from nearby Lomnický štít station using a lapse rate of 6.5 ˚ C/km). Accordingly, GSTs showed negative surface offset (MAGST-MAAT) of -1.3 ˚ C and -1.5 ˚ C in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, respectively. At the coldest sites, the surface offset regularly reached values well below -2 ˚ C and dropped up to -3.3 ˚ C. GSTs recorded prior to the onset of snow melting (i.e. BTS) averaged -3.8 ˚ C and -3.2 ˚ C in spring of 2015 and 2016, respectively, and varied between -5.8 ˚ C and -1.6 ˚ C. One-time BTS values showed the average of -2.8 ˚ C, but relatively high short-distance heterogeneity of BTS values, ranging between -8.3 ˚ C and 0.0 ˚ C, was encountered across the rock-glacier surfaces. The results suggest that permafrost occurrence is probable or possible in a total of ten rock glaciers, while its absence is probable only in one of the investigated landforms. We classify the latter form as relict and other two rock glaciers are suggested to be in inactive/relict state. Six rock glaciers are believed to be inactive and two even active/inactive. In most cases, however, permafrost likely occurs in a form of isolated patches or discontinuously and presumably degrades under present climate conditions.

Using CDBG to Support Community-Based Youth Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Torrico, Roxana

2008-01-01

This brief provides policymakers, stakeholders, community leaders, and program developers working in or with community-based youth programs with a basic understanding of how the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is structured, how community-based youth programs fit into CDBG purposes and activities, and how communities nationwide are using…

Classification VIA Information-Theoretic Fusion of Vector-Magnetic and Acoustic Sensor Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-01

10) where tBsBtBsBtBsBtsB zzyyxx, . (11) The operation in (10) may be viewed as a vector matched- filter on to estimate )(tB CPARv . In summary...choosing to maximize the classification information in Y are described in Section 3.2. A 3.2. Maximum mutual information ( MMI ) features We begin with a...review of several desirable properties of features that maximize a mutual information ( MMI ) criterion. Then we review a particular algorithm [2

Application of a Bimetallic Treatment System (BTS) for PCB Removal from Older Structures on DoD Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-05

the Banana River to the West and mosquito control lagoons to the East. The building components that are to be treated are from inside the structure... peeling /removal) is given. Untreated areas of panel 3 and 4 were tested as a control, to determine the adhesion qualities of the paint prior to...similarly shows untreated panel 4. Both panels (untreated) were scored a 5, indicating no peeling or removal of the paint upon removal of the pressure

The relationships between precipitation, convective cloud and tropical cyclone intensity change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruan, Z.; Wu, Q.

2017-12-01

Using 16 years precipitation, brightness temperature (IR BT) data and tropical cyclone (TC) information, this study explores the relationship between precipitation, convective cloud and tropical cyclone (TC) intensity change in the Western North Pacific Ocean. It is found that TC intensity has positive relation with TC precipitation. TC precipitation increases with increased TC intensity. Based on the different phase of diurnal cycle, convective TC clouds were divided into very cold deep convective clouds (IR BTs<208K) and cold high clouds (208K

Changes in health indicators related to health promotion and microcredit programs in the Dominican Republic.

PubMed

Dohn, Anita L; Chávez, Andrea; Dohn, Michael N; Saturria, Luis; Pimentel, Carlos

2004-03-01

To assess the impact of health promotion programs and microcredit programs on three communities in the Dominican Republic. One community had only the health promotion program, one community had only the microcredit program, and one community had both a health promotion program and a microcredit program. This pilot project examined the hypothesis that the largest changes in 11 health indicators that were studied would be in the community with both a health promotion program and a microcredit program, that there would be intermediate changes in the community with only a health promotion program, and that the smallest changes would be in the community with only a microcredit program. The health promotion programs used community volunteers to address two major concerns: (1) the prevalent causes of mortality among children under 5 years of age and (2) women's health (specifically breast and cervical cancer screening). The microcredit program made small loans to individuals to start or expand small businesses. Outcome measures were based on comparisons for 11 health indicators from baseline community surveys (27 households surveyed in each of the three communities, done in December 2000 and January 2001) and from follow-up surveys (also 27 households surveyed in each of the three communities, in June and July 2002, after the health promotion program had been operating for about 13 months). Households were randomly chosen during both the baseline and follow-up surveys, without regard to their involvement in the microcredit or health promotion programs. The health indicators improved in all three communities. However, the degree of change was different among the communities (P < 0.001). The community with parallel microcredit and health promotion programs had the largest changes for 10 of the 11 health indicators. Multisector development is known to be important on a macroeconomic scale. The results of this pilot project support the view that multisector development is also important on a microeconomic level, given that the parallel microcredit and health promotion programs resulted in greater change in the measured health indicators than either program alone. As far as we authors know, this is the first published study to quantify changes in health indicators related to parallel health promotion and microcredit programs as compared to control communities with only a health promotion program or a microcredit program.

A capacity building approach to increase sports participation in disadvantaged urban communities: a multilevel analysis.

PubMed

Marlier, Mathieu; Cardon, Greet; De Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse; Willem, Annick

2014-12-01

Recent evidence showed that community capacity building is one of the key methods to reach health improvements within disadvantaged communities. Physical activity and sports participation are important means to reach health improvements. This study investigates a capacity building method which aims at increasing sports participation in the community, especially for individuals at higher risk of sports deprivation. The main aims of the present study, are the following: (1) to examine differences in sports participation between individuals living in communities implementing a sports-based capacity building program and individuals living in communities without such capacity building program and (2) to investigate if the community sports program reaches the individuals known to experience higher barriers to engage in sports. In Flanders, Belgium, five disadvantaged urban communities implementing the community capacity building program (program communities) and four without (control communities) were selected based on similarity of sociodemographic and environmental characteristics. Two hundred adults (aged 18-56 years) per community were randomly selected and visited at home to fill out a questionnaire on sociodemographics, sports participation, and the community sports program. A sample of 414 adults participated in the study. Results showed that adults from program communities reported on average 96 min/week more participation in sports than their counterparts living in control communities. Furthermore, 61.3% of the individuals of program communities indicated to engage in sports, whereas in control communities, this was only 42.4%. Respondents at higher risk of sports deprivation also engaged in significantly more sports participation in program communities than those in control communities. This difference was also noted for groups that are not related with sports deprivation. These results are promising and plead for a community capacity building approach to increase sports participation in disadvantaged communities.

Healing the community to heal the individual: literature review of aboriginal community-based alcohol and substance abuse programs.

PubMed

Jiwa, Ashifa; Kelly, Len; Pierre-Hansen, Natalie

2008-07-01

To understand the development of culturally based and community-based alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs for aboriginal patients in an international context. MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, and PsycINFO databases and government documents were searched from 1975 to 2007. MeSH headings included the following: Indians, North American, Pacific ancestry group, aboriginal, substance-related disorders, alcoholism, addictive behaviour, community health service, and indigenous health. The search produced 150 articles, 34 of which were relevant; most of the literature comprised opinion pieces and program descriptions (level III evidence). Substance abuse in some aboriginal communities is a complex problem requiring culturally appropriate, multidimensional approaches. One promising perspective supports community-based programs or community mobile treatment. These programs ideally cover prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and aftercare. They often eliminate the need for people to leave their remote communities. They become focuses of community development, as the communities become the treatment facilities. Success requires solutions developed within communities, strong community interest and engagement, leadership, and sustainable funding. Community-based addictions programs are appropriate alternatives to treatment at distant residential addictions facilities. The key components of success appear to be strong leadership in this area; strong community-member engagement; funding for programming and organizing; and the ability to develop infrastructure for longterm program sustainability. Programs require increased documentation of their inroads in this developing field.

Reforming the community research program: from Community Clinical Oncology Program to the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program.

PubMed

Zon, Robin T

2014-01-01

Community research has been an integral and influential component of the National Research Program since the late 1970s. Institutionalization of community research in the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) has resulted in successful collaborations, meaningful accrual, achievement of quality standards, and translation of research into clinical practice. Although the national clinical trial system is undergoing modernization and improvement, the success of the CCOP and minority-based CCOP in cancer treatment, prevention, and control research is being extended to include cancer care delivery research in the newly created National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program. This article briefly presents a historic perspective of community involvement in federally sponsored clinical trials and introduces the continued involvement in the newly created NCI program.

Determining the Individual, Organizational, and Community Level Outcomes of a Community Leadership Development Program as Perceived by the Program Alumni

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bush, Susan Johnston

2012-01-01

The need for community leaders is increasing while the supply of community leaders is decreasing, leaving a gap in community leadership. Community leadership development programs (CLDP) are the most common approach to leadership development, yet the effects of CLDPs are rarely determined. In order to sustain programs that develop potential…

Community-Based Programming: An Opportunity and Imperative for the Community College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boone, Edgar J.

1992-01-01

Defines community-based programing as a cooperative process in which the community college serves as leader and catalyst in effecting collaboration among community members, leaders, and groups. Recommends 15 tasks for community college leaders involved in community-based programing, including environmental scanning and coalition building. (DMM)

Functional leg length discrepancy between theories and reliable instrumental assessment: a study about newly invented NPoS system.

PubMed

Mahmoud, Asmaa; Abundo, Paolo; Basile, Luisanna; Albensi, Caterina; Marasco, Morena; Bellizzi, Letizia; Galasso, Franco; Foti, Calogero

2017-01-01

In spite the instinct social&financial impact of Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD), controversial and conflicting results still exist regarding a reliable assessment/correction method. For proper management it's essential to discriminate between anatomical&functional Leg Length Discrepancy (FLLD). With the newly invented NPoS (New Postural Solution), under the umbrella of the collaboration of PRM Department, Tor Vergata University with Baro Postural Instruments srl, positive results were observed in both measuring& compensating the hemi-pelvic antero-medial rotation in FLLD through personalized bilateral heel raise using two NPoS components: Foot Image System (FIS) and Postural Optimizer System (POS). This led our research interest to test the validity of NPoS as a preliminary step before evaluating its implementations in postural disorders. After clinical evaluation, 4 subjects with FLLD have been assessed by NPoS. Over a period of 2 months, every subject was evaluated 12 times by two different operators, 48 measurements in total, results have been verified in correlation to BTS GaitLab results. Intra-Operator&inter-operator variability analysis showed statistically insignificant differences, while inter-method variability between NPoS and BTS parameters expressed a linear correlation. Results suggest a significant validity of NPoS in assessment&correction of FLLD, with high degree of reproducibility with minimal operator dependency. This can be considered a base for promising clinical implications of NPoS as a reliable cost effective postural assessment/corrective tool. V.

Occurrence of organotin compounds in river sediments under the dynamic water level conditions in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China.

PubMed

Gao, Jun-Min; Zhang, Ke; Chen, You-Peng; Guo, Jin-Song; Wei, Yun-Mei; Jiang, Wen-Chao; Zhou, Bin; Qiu, Hui

2015-06-01

The Three Gorges Project is the largest hydro project in the world, and the water level of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) is dynamic and adjustable with the aim of flood control and electrical power generation. It is necessary to investigate the pollutants and their underlying contamination processes under dynamic water levels to determine their environmental behaviors in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA). Here, we report the assessment of organotin compounds (OTs) pollution in the river sediments of the TGRA. Surface sediment samples were collected in the TGRA at low and high water levels. Tributyltin (TBT), triphenyltin (TPhT), and their degradation products in sediments were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Butyltins (BTs) and phenyltins (PhTs) were detected in sediments, and BTs predominated over PhTs in the whole study area under dynamic water level conditions. The concentrations of OTs in sediments varied markedly among locations, and significant concentrations were found in river areas with high levels of boat traffic and wastewater discharge. Sediments at all stations except Cuntan were lightly contaminated with TBT, and total organic carbon (TOC) was a significant factor affecting the fate of TBT in the TGRA. The butyltin and phenyltin degradation indices showed no recent inputs of TBT or TPhT into this region, with the exception of fresh TPhT input at Xiakou Town. Shipping activity, wastewater discharge, and agriculture are the most likely sources of OTs in the TGRA.

University-Based Community College Leadership Programs: Where Future Community College Leaders Are Prepared

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedel, Janice Nahra

2010-01-01

Community college leadership programs may take a variety of forms, among them university-based programs, leadership institutes, community college-based "grow your own" programs, professional organization-based institutes, or a combination of these. University-based doctorate leadership programs are the principal providers of these…

A whole community approach to emergency management: Strategies and best practices of seven community programs.

PubMed

Sobelson, Robyn K; Wigington, Corinne J; Harp, Victoria; Bronson, Bernice B

2015-01-01

In 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published the Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management: Principles, Themes, and Pathways for Action, outlining the need for increased individual preparedness and more widespread community engagement to enhance the overall resiliency and security of communities. However, there is limited evidence of how to build a whole community approach to emergency management that provides real-world, practical examples and applications. This article reports on the strategies and best practices gleaned from seven community programs fostering a whole community approach to emergency management. The project team engaged in informal conversations with community stakeholders to learn about their programs during routine monitoring activities, site visits, and during an in-person, facilitated workshop. A total of 88 community members associated with the programs examples contributed. Qualitative analysis was conducted. The findings highlighted best practices gleaned from the seven programs that other communities can leverage to build and maintain their own whole community programs. The findings from the programs also support and validate the three principles and six strategic themes outlined by FEMA. The findings, like the whole community document, highlight the importance of understanding the community, building relationships, empowering action, and fostering social capital to build a whole community approach.

75 FR 80561 - Community Express Pilot Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-22

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Community Express Pilot Program AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). ACTION: Notice of short-term extension and termination of the Community Express Pilot Program. SUMMARY: This notice announces the termination of the Community Express Pilot Program following a...

Nonlocal Symmetry and Interaction Solutions of a Generalized Kadomtsev—Petviashvili Equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Li-Li; Chen, Yong; Ma, Zheng-Yi

2016-08-01

A generalized Kadomtsev—Petviashvili equation is studied by nonlocal symmetry method and consistent Riccati expansion (CRE) method in this paper. Applying the truncated Painlevé analysis to the generalized Kadomtsev—Petviashvili equation, some Bäcklund transformations (BTs) including auto-BT and non-auto-BT are obtained. The auto-BT leads to a nonlocal symmetry which corresponds to the residual of the truncated Painlevé expansion. Then the nonlocal symmetry is localized to the corresponding nonlocal group by introducing two new variables. Further, by applying the Lie point symmetry method to the prolonged system, a new type of finite symmetry transformation is derived. In addition, the generalized Kadomtsev—Petviashvili equation is proved consistent Riccati expansion (CRE) solvable. As a result, the soliton-cnoidal wave interaction solutions of the equation are explicitly given, which are difficult to be found by other traditional methods. Moreover, figures are given out to show the properties of the explicit analytic interaction solutions. Supported by the Global Change Research Program of China under Grant No. 2015CB953904, National Natural Science Foundation of under Grant Nos. 11275072 and 11435005, Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China under Grant No. 20120076110024, the Network Information Physics Calculation of Basic Research Innovation Research Group of China under Grant No. 61321064, and Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Trustworthy Software for Internet of Things under Grant No. ZF1213, and Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. LY14A010005

Evaluating community-based public health leadership training.

PubMed

Ceraso, Marion; Gruebling, Kirsten; Layde, Peter; Remington, Patrick; Hill, Barbara; Morzinski, Jeffrey; Ore, Peggy

2011-01-01

Addressing the nation's increasingly complex public health challenges will require more effective multisector collaboration and stronger public health leadership. In 2005, the Healthy Wisconsin Leadership Institute launched an annual, year-long intensive "community teams" program. The goal of this program is to develop collaborative leadership and public health skills among Wisconsin-based multisectoral teams mobilizing their communities to improve public health. To measure the scope of participation and program impacts on individual learning and practice, including application of new knowledge and collective achievements of teams on coalition and short-term community outcomes. End-of-year participant program evaluations and follow-up telephone interviews with participants 20 months after program completion. Community-based public health leadership training program. Sixty-eight participants in the Community Teams Program during the years 2006 to 2007 and 2007 to 2008. Professional diversity of program participants; individual learning and practice, including application of new knowledge; and collective achievements of teams, including coalition and short-term community outcomes. Participants in the Community Teams Program represent a diversity of sectors, including nonprofit, governmental, academic, business, and local public health. Participation increased knowledge across all public health and leadership competency areas covered in the program. Participating teams reported outcomes, including increased engagement of community leadership, expansion of preventive services, increased media coverage, strengthened community coalitions, and increased grant funding. Evaluation of this community-based approach to public health leadership training has shown it to be a promising model for building collaborative and public health leadership skills and initiating sustained community change for health improvement.

75 FR 473 - Community Express Pilot Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-05

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Community Express Pilot Program AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). ACTION: Notice of extension of the Community Express Pilot Program. SUMMARY: This notice extends the Community Express Pilot Program in its current form through December 31, 2010. Based upon the...

Community Leadership through Community-Based Programming: The Role of the Community College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boone, Edgar J.; And Others

Organized around 15 tasks involved in the community-based programming (CBP) process, this book provides practical, field-tested guidance on successfully implementing CBP in community colleges. Following prefatory materials, the following chapters are provided: (1) "An Introduction to the Community-Based Programming Process" (Edgar J.…

Building Vibrant Learning Communities: Framework and Actions to Strengthen Community Adult Learning Councils and Community Literacy Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, 2007

2007-01-01

Because of the important role played by community learning providers, Premier Ed Stelmach asked Canadian Minister of Advanced Education and Technology to increase support for community education and literacy programs. Community Adult Learning Councils and other community providers of adult literacy and family literacy programming are primarily…

Small-grants programs: lessons from community-based approaches to changing nutrition environments.

PubMed

Johnson, Donna B; Smith, Lynne T; Bruemmer, Barbara

2007-02-01

Providing small grants to community organizations can be an effective way to encourage changes in the environment that support better nutrition. This is effective because these organizations can provide insights into their communities, ready-made relationships with community members, and the trust of the community. Small-grants programs are more likely to be successful when they are tailored to the needs of individual communities, led by organizations that have established reputations with the community, fully supported by the lead community organization, and engage local partners that complement the skills and resources of the lead organization. An evaluation of a small-grants program, Grants for Healthy Youth, found that grantees developed unique approaches to improving their community nutrition environments, gained experience and skills in program development, built partnerships, and received recognition for their project work. Grantees faced some common barriers, especially with program evaluation. Small-grants programs can be an effective way to improve community nutrition environments, but granting agencies need to provide effective technical assistance to communities throughout the process.

Healing the community to heal the individual

PubMed Central

Jiwa, Ashifa; Kelly, Len; Pierre-Hansen, Natalie

2008-01-01

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To understand the development of culturally based and community-based alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs for aboriginal patients in an international context. SOURCES OF INFORMATION MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, and PsycINFO databases and government documents were searched from 1975 to 2007. MeSH headings included the following: Indians, North American, Pacific ancestry group, aboriginal, substance-related disorders, alcoholism, addictive behaviour, community health service, and indigenous health. The search produced 150 articles, 34 of which were relevant; most of the literature comprised opinion pieces and program descriptions (level III evidence). MAIN MESSAGE Substance abuse in some aboriginal communities is a complex problem requiring culturally appropriate, multidimensional approaches. One promising perspective supports community-based programs or community mobile treatment. These programs ideally cover prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and aftercare. They often eliminate the need for people to leave their remote communities. They become focuses of community development, as the communities become the treatment facilities. Success requires solutions developed within communities, strong community interest and engagement, leadership, and sustainable funding. CONCLUSION Community-based addictions programs are appropriate alternatives to treatment at distant residential addictions facilities. The key components of success appear to be strong leadership in this area; strong community-member engagement; funding for programming and organizing; and the ability to develop infrastructure for long-term program sustainability. Programs require increased documentation of their inroads in this developing field. PMID:18625824

Summary and Comparison of the 2016 Billion-Ton Report with the 2011 U.S. Billion-Ton Update

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2016-06-01

In terms of the magnitude of the resource potential, the results of the 2016 Billion-Ton Report (BT16) are consistent with the original 2005 Billion-Ton Study (BTS) and the 2011 report, U.S. Billion-Ton Update: Biomass Supply for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry (BT2. An effort was made to reevaluate the potential forestland, agricultural, and waste resources at the roadside, then extend the analysis by adding transportation costs to a biorefinery under specified logistics assumptions to major resource fractions.

Effect of rapid warming of boar semen on sperm morphology and physiology.

PubMed

Bamba, K; Cran, D G

1985-09-01

The effect of rapid dilution (1:8 with BTS or 1:6.5 with KRP) and temperature change on sperm morphology and physiology were studied using boar spermatozoa pre-diluted in BF5 diluent. Rapid dilution of cold semen (5 degrees C) with a warm solution (37 degrees C) caused marked acrosomal changes which were most prominent in the anterior region. The acrosomal damage appeared to be caused mainly by rapid warming. In contrast to rapid cooling, rapid warming had little effect upon motility, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase release and respiration.

Test pattern generation for ILA sequential circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feng, YU; Frenzel, James F.; Maki, Gary K.

1993-01-01

An efficient method of generating test patterns for sequential machines implemented using one-dimensional, unilateral, iterative logic arrays (ILA's) of BTS pass transistor networks is presented. Based on a transistor level fault model, the method affords a unique opportunity for real-time fault detection with improved fault coverage. The resulting test sets are shown to be equivalent to those obtained using conventional gate level models, thus eliminating the need for additional test patterns. The proposed method advances the simplicity and ease of the test pattern generation for a special class of sequential circuitry.

ZTF Bright Transient Survey classifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graham, M. L.; Bellm, E.; Bektesevic, D.; Eadie, G.; Huppenkothen, D.; Davenport, J. R. A.; Fremling, C.; Sharma, Y.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Walters, R.; Blagorodnova, N.; Neill, J.; Miller, A. A.; Taddia, F.; Lunnan, R.; Taggart, K.; Perley, D. A.; Goobar, A.

2018-06-01

The Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF; ATel #11266) Bright Transient Survey (BTS; ATel #11688) reports classifications of the following targets. Spectra have been obtained with the Dual Imaging Spectrograph (range 340-1000nm, spectral resolution R 1000) mounted on the 3.5m telescope at Apache Point Observatory, the Spectral Energy Distribution Machine (SEDM) (range 350-950nm, spectral resolution R 100) mounted on the Palomar 60-inch (P60) telescope (Blagorodnova et. al. 2018, PASP, 130, 5003), or the Andalucia Faint Object Spectrograph and Camera (ALFOSC) on the 2.5m Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT).

Development of a structured approach for decomposition of complex systems on a functional basis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yildirim, Unal; Felician Campean, I.

2014-07-01

The purpose of this paper is to present the System State Flow Diagram (SSFD) as a structured and coherent methodology to decompose a complex system on a solution- independent functional basis. The paper starts by reviewing common function modelling frameworks in literature and discusses practical requirements of the SSFD in the context of the current literature and current approaches in industry. The proposed methodology is illustrated through the analysis of a case study: design analysis of a generic Bread Toasting System (BTS).

Perspectives on community gardens, community kitchens and the Good Food Box program in a community-based sample of low-income families.

PubMed

Loopstra, Rachel; Tarasuk, Valerie

2013-01-08

Growing recognition of the problem of household food insecurity in Canada has meant public health practitioners are looking for effective ways to ameliorate this problem in their communities. Community gardens, community kitchens, and food box programs can offer nutritious foods for comparably lower costs, however, the uptake and perceptions of these programs in populations at risk of food insecurity have not been evaluated. Building on a previous finding of low program participation among 485 families living in high-poverty neighbourhoods in Toronto, the objective of this study was to understand reasons for non-participation. One year after the baseline study, 371 families were interviewed a second time and were asked to provide their reasons for not participating in community gardens, community kitchens, or the Good Food Box program. Responses were analyzed by inductive content analysis. At follow-up, only 12 families had participated in a community garden, 16 in a community kitchen, and 4 in the Good Food Box program. Reasons for non-participation grouped under two themes. First, families expressed that programs were not accessible because they lacked the knowledge of how or where to participate or because programs were not in their neighbourhoods. Second, programs lacked fit for families, as they were not suited to busy schedules, interests, or needs. This study provides unique perspective on participation in community food programs among food-insecure families and suggests that these programs may not be effective options for these families to improve their food access.

The NCI Community Oncology Research Program: what every clinician needs to know.

PubMed

McCaskill-Stevens, Worta; Lyss, Alan P; Good, Marge; Marsland, Thomas; Lilenbaum, Rogerio

2013-01-01

Research in the community setting is essential for the translation of advances in cancer research into practice and improving cancer care for all populations. The National Cancer Institute is proposing a new community-based program, NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), which is the alignment of two existing programs, the Community Clinical Oncology Program, Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program, and their Research Bases, and the National Cancer Institute's Community Cancer Centers Program. NCROP will support cancer control, prevention, treatment, and screening clinical trials and expand its research scope to include cancer care delivery research. Cancer disparities research will be integrated into studies across the continuum of NCORP research. Input from current NCI-funded community investigators provides critical insight into the challenges faced by oncology practices within various organizational structures. Furthermore, these investigators identify the resources, both administrative and clinical, that will be required in the community setting to support cancer care delivery research and to meet the requirements for a new generation of clinical research. The American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has initiated a forum to focus on the conduct of clinical research in the community setting. Resources are being developed to help practices in managing cancer care in community settings.

75 FR 20269 - Regulatory Reporting Requirements for the Indian Community Development Block Grant Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-19

...-AC79 Regulatory Reporting Requirements for the Indian Community Development Block Grant Program AGENCY... final rule revises the reporting requirements for the Indian Community Development Block Grants (ICDBG... Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program. The purpose of the ICDBG program is the...

45 CFR 2517.300 - Who may participate in a community-based service-learning program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...-learning program? 2517.300 Section 2517.300 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS Eligibility To Participate § 2517.300 Who may participate in a community-based service-learning program...

45 CFR 2517.300 - Who may participate in a community-based service-learning program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...-learning program? 2517.300 Section 2517.300 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS Eligibility To Participate § 2517.300 Who may participate in a community-based service-learning program...

24 CFR 570.415 - Community Development Work Study Program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 3 2011-04-01 2010-04-01 true Community Development Work Study... Grants § 570.415 Community Development Work Study Program. (a) Applicability and objectives. HUD makes... students who participate in a work study program while enrolled in full-time graduate programs in community...

Military and academic programs outperform community programs on the American Board of Surgery Examinations.

PubMed

Falcone, John L; Charles, Anthony G

2013-01-01

There is a paucity of American Board of Surgery (ABS) Qualifying Examination (QE) and Certifying Examination (CE) outcomes comparing residency programs by academic, community, or military affiliation. We hypothesize that the larger academic programs will outperform the smaller community programs. In this retrospective study from 2002 to 2012, examination performance on the ABS QE and CE were obtained from the ABS for all of the general surgery residency programs. Programs were categorized by academic, community, and military affiliation. Both nonparametric and parametric statistics were used for comparison, using an α = 0.05. There were 137/235 (58.3%) academic programs, 90/235 (38.3%) community programs, and 8/235 (3.4%) military programs that satisfied inclusion criteria for this study. The Mann-Whitney U tests showed that the military programs outperformed academic and community programs on the ABS QE and the ABS CE, and had a higher proportion of examinees passing both examinations on the first attempt (all p≤0.02). One-tailed Student t-tests showed that academic programs had higher pass rates than community programs on the ABS QE (85.4%±9.5% vs. 81.9%±11.5%), higher pass rates on the ABS CE (83.6%±8.3% vs. 80.6%±11.0%), and a higher proportion of examinees passing both examinations on the first attempt (0.73±0.12 vs. 0.68±0.15) (all p≤0.01). The chi-square and Fisher exact tests showed that examinees performed highest in military programs, followed by academic programs, and lowest in community programs on the ABS QE and ABS CE (all p≤ 0.01). Military programs have the highest degrees of success on all of the ABS examinations. Academic programs outperform community programs. These results have the potential to affect application patterns to established general surgery residency programs. Copyright © 2013 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Are You Making an Impact? Evaluating the Population Health Impact of Community Benefit Programs.

PubMed

Rains, Catherine M; Todd, Greta; Kozma, Nicole; Goodman, Melody S

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes a change to the IRS 990 Schedule H, requiring nonprofit hospitals to submit a community health needs assessment every 3 years. Such health care entities are challenged to evaluate the effectiveness of community benefit programs addressing the health needs identified. In an effort to determine the population health impact of community benefit programs in 1 hospital outreach department, researchers and staff conducted an impact evaluation to develop priority areas and overarching goals along with program- and department-level objectives. The longitudinal impact evaluation study design consists of retrospective and prospective secondary data analyses. As an urban pediatric hospital, St Louis Children's Hospital provides an array of community benefit programs to the surrounding community. Hospital staff and researchers came together to form an evaluation team. Data from program evaluation and administrative data for analysis were provided by hospital staff. Impact scores were calculated by scoring objectives as met or unmet and averaged across goals to create impact scores that measure how closely programs meet the overarching departmental mission and goals. Over the 4-year period, there is an increasing trend in program-specific impact scores across all programs except one, Healthy Kids Express Asthma, which had a slight decrease in year 4 only. Current work in measuring and assessing the population health impact of community benefit programs is mostly focused on quantifying dollars invested into community benefit work rather than measuring the quality and impact of services. This article provides a methodology for measuring population health impact of community benefit programs that can be used to evaluate the effort of hospitals in providing community benefit. This is particularly relevant in our changing health care climate, as hospitals are being asked to justify community benefit and make meaningful contributions to population health. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes a change to the IRS 990 Schedule H, requiring nonprofit hospitals to submit a community health needs assessment every 3 years, and requires evaluation of program effectiveness; yet, it does not require any quantification of the impact of community benefit programs. The IRS Schedule H 990 policies could be strengthened by requiring an impact evaluation such as outlined in this article. As hospitals are being asked to justify community benefit and make meaningful contributions to population health, impact evaluations can be utilized to demonstrate the cumulative community benefit of programs and assess population health impact of community benefit programs.

Strengthening community leadership: evaluation findings from the california healthy cities and communities program.

PubMed

Kegler, Michelle C; Norton, Barbara L; Aronson, Robert E

2008-04-01

Collaborative approaches to community health improvement such as healthy cities and communities have the potential to strengthen community capacity through leadership development. The healthy cities and communities process orients existing local leadership to new community problem-solving strategies and draws out leadership abilities among residents not previously engaged in civic life. In an evaluation of the California Healthy Cities and Communities (CHCC) Program, leadership development was one of several outcomes assessed at the civic-participation level of the social ecology. Data collection methods included focus groups and surveys, semistructured interviews with coordinators and community leaders, and review of program documents. Findings suggest that the CHCC program enhanced capacity by expanding new leadership opportunities through coalition participation, program implementation, and civic leadership roles related to spin-off organizations and broader collaborative structures. Communities in rural regions were particularly successful in achieving significant leadership outcomes.

"Something good can grow here": chicago urban agriculture food projects.

PubMed

Hatchett, Lena; Brown, Loretta; Hopkins, Joan; Larsen, Kelly; Fournier, Eliza

2015-01-01

Food security is a challenge facing many African-American low-income communities nationally. Community and university partners have established urban agriculture programs to improve access to high quality affordable fruits and vegetables by growing, distributing, and selling food in urban neighborhoods. While the challenge of food security is within communities of color, few studies have described these urban agriculture programs and documented their impact on the crew members who work in the programs and live in the low-income communities. More information is needed on the program impact for crew and community health promotion. Using a survey and focus group discussion from the crew and staff we describe the program and activities of four Chicago Urban Agriculture programs. We summarized the impact these programs have on crew members' perception of urban agriculture, health habits, community engagement, and community health promotion in low-income African-American neighborhoods.

Community Participation in Tribal Diabetes Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith-Morris, Carolyn

2006-01-01

In the past five years, there has been a surge in the attention shown to community and community-based health programs among Native Americans, particularly for chronic health problems such as diabetes. Community participation in health programming--from the efforts of community health workers (CHWs), to participatory research, to the impact of…

Training Civic Bridge Builders: Outcomes of Community Leadership Development Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keating, Kari Hall

2011-01-01

As rural communities experience rapid economic, demographic, and political change, program interventions that focus on the development of community leadership capacity could be valuable. Community leadership development programs have been deployed in rural U.S. communities for the past 30 years by university extension units, chambers of commerce,…

Building capacity in disadvantaged communities: development of the community advocacy and leadership program.

PubMed

Sharpe, Patricia A; Flint, Sylvia; Burroughs-Girardi, Ericka L; Pekuri, Linda; Wilcox, Sara; Forthofer, Melinda

2015-01-01

Successful community groups have the capacity to mobilize community assets to address needs. Capacity-building education is integral to building competent communities. A community-university team developed and pilot tested an education program for community advocates from disadvantaged neighborhoods with high chronic disease burden. The Community Advocacy and Leadership Program (CALP) included eight monthly workshops, a mini-grant opportunity, and technical assistance. A nominal group with community health practitioners, focus group with community advocates, and a literature search comprised a triangulated educational needs assessment. A participating pretest with 35 community health practitioners guided curriculum refinement. Seven representatives from three community groups in a medically underserved South Carolina county participated in pilot implementation and evaluation. Qualitative and quantitative data informed the process and impact evaluation. The mean knowledge score at 1 month after the program was 77% (range, 52%-96%). The mean score on post-program self-assessment of skills improvement was 3.8 out of a possible 4.0 (range, 3.6-4.0). Two groups submitted successful community mini-grant applications for playground improvements, and the third group successfully advocated for public funding of neighborhood park improvements. Participants reported favorable impressions and both personal and community benefits from participation. A community-university partnership successfully conducted a local educational needs assessment and developed and pilot tested a capacity development program within a CBPR partnership. Successes, challenges, and lessons learned will guide program refinement, replication, and dissemination.

Biofilms produced by Burkholderia cenocepacia: influence of media and solid supports on composition of matrix exopolysaccharides.

PubMed

Pellizzoni, Elena; Ravalico, Fabio; Scaini, Denis; Delneri, Ambra; Rizzo, Roberto; Cescutti, Paola

2016-02-01

Bacteria usually grow forming biofilms, which are communities of cells embedded in a self-produced dynamic polymeric matrix, characterized by a complex three-dimensional structure. The matrix holds cells together and above a surface, and eventually releases them, resulting in colonization of other surfaces. Although exopolysaccharides (EPOLs) are important components of the matrix, determination of their structure is usually performed on samples produced in non-biofilm conditions, or indirectly through genetic studies. Among the Burkholderia cepacia complex species, Burkholderia cenocepacia is an important pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and is generally more aggressive than other species. In the present investigation, B. cenocepacia strain BTS2, a CF isolate, was grown in biofilm mode on glass slides and cellulose membranes, using five growth media, one of which mimics the nutritional content of CF sputum. The structure of the matrix EPOLs was determined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy, while visualization of the biofilms on glass slides was obtained by means of confocal laser microscopy, phase-contrast microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results confirmed that the type of EPOLs biosynthesized depends both on the medium used and on the type of support, and showed that mucoid conditions do not always lead to significant biofilm production, while bacteria in a non-mucoid state can still form biofilm containing EPOLs.

Community Involvement in a Place-Based Program for Hawaiian High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yamauchi, Lois A.; Purcell, Andrea K.

2009-01-01

This study examined the development of community involvement in a place-based high school program for at-risk youth. Teachers and community members founded the program to address concerns about low achievement and high dropout rates among Native Hawaiians. In addition to funding, community members provided program development, supervision of…

An Australian Indigenous community-led suicide intervention skills training program: community consultation findings.

PubMed

Nasir, Bushra; Kisely, Steve; Hides, Leanne; Ranmuthugala, Geetha; Brennan-Olsen, Sharon; Nicholson, Geoffrey C; Gill, Neeraj S; Hayman, Noel; Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan, Srinivas; Toombs, Maree

2017-06-13

Little is known of the appropriateness of existing gatekeeper suicide prevention programs for Indigenous communities. Despite the high rates of Indigenous suicide in Australia, especially among Indigenous youth, it is unclear how effective existing suicide prevention programs are in providing appropriate management of Indigenous people at risk of suicide. In-depth, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with Indigenous communities in rural and regional areas of Southern Queensland. Thematic analysis was performed on the gathered information. Existing programs were time-intensive and included content irrelevant to Indigenous people. There was inconsistency in the content and delivery of gatekeeper training. Programs were also not sustainable for rural and regional Indigenous communities. Appropriate programs should be practical, relevant, and sustainable across all Indigenous communities, with a focus on the social, emotional, cultural and spiritual underpinnings of community wellbeing. Programs need to be developed in thorough consultation with Indigenous communities. Indigenous-led suicide intervention training programs are needed to mitigate the increasing rates of suicide experienced by Indigenous peoples living in rural and remote locations.

Strategies used by interdisciplinary rural health training programs to assure community responsiveness and recruit practitioners.

PubMed

Slack, Marion K; Cummings, Doyle M; Borrego, Matthew E; Fuller, Kathi; Cook, Sherrie

2002-05-01

In this article, the strategies used by five US rural interdisciplinary training grant programs to respond to local needs and to promote recruitment in rural communities are described. The programs provide training to 17 health care disciplines and serve disadvantaged Hispanic, African-American, Amish, Native American, and Anglo populations. Four programs are based in academic institutions; one is based in a community health center. The programs provide services to the rural communities through individual clinical or case management services, population-level interventions, and collaborative research. All programs use specific mechanisms (e.g. case conferences or participation in local coalitions) to facilitate collaboration with residents and to link student activities with community or individual needs. Unique strategies include the use of problem-based learning and community health workers on the interdisciplinary team to increase responsiveness. The programs also provide educational support to students while they work in the rural communities. Finally, the primary strategy used to promote recruitment is the training experience in rural communities. The programs also appear to indirectly improve the environment of rural practice.

[Community marketing of contraceptives].

PubMed

Urrutia, J M

1987-09-01

The 5-year-old community contraceptive distribution program developed by PROFAMILIA, Colombia's private family planning organization, has given excellent results, but several cost-effectiveness comparisons with social marketing programs have suggested that commercial distribution programs are superior. The community contraceptive distribution program has a high content of information and education activities, which produced significant increases in knowledge and use of contraception in the communities covered. It has been a fundamental support for the social marketing program, creating much of the demand for contraceptive products that the social marketing program has filled. The social marketing program has given good results in terms of volume of sales and in cost-effectiveness since 1976, prompting calls for replacement of the community contraceptive distribution program by the social marketing program in those sectors where knowledge and use of contraception have achieved acceptable levels. An experiment in the Department of Santander in 1984 and 1985 gave very favorable results, suggesting that community contraceptive distribution programs should be replaced by social marketing programs in all more developed markets. But economic problems in 1985 and the decision of manufacturers to decrease the profit margin for PROFAMILIA jeopardized the social marketing program. The community distribution program covered about 20% of the market. Reduced profits in the social marketing program threatened its continued expansion, at the same time that potential demand was growing because of increases in the fertile aged population and increased use of contraception. To meet the need, PROFAMILIA combined the community contraceptive distribution and social marketing programs into a new entity to be called community marketing. The strategy of the community marketing program will be to maintain PROFAMILIA's participation in the market and aid the growth of demand for contraceptives through educational and informational activities. The distribution scheme must continue to cover all the established points of sale in pharmacies despite the reduced profit margins.

Using community-based participatory research to develop the PARTNERS youth violence prevention program.

PubMed

Leff, Stephen S; Thomas, Duane E; Vaughn, Nicole A; Thomas, Nicole A; MacEvoy, Julie Paquette; Freedman, Melanie A; Abdul-Kabir, Saburah; Woodlock, Joseph; Guerra, Terry; Bradshaw, Ayana S; Woodburn, Elizabeth M; Myers, Rachel K; Fein, Joel A

2010-01-01

School-based violence prevention programs have shown promise for reducing aggression and increasing children's prosocial behaviors. Prevention interventions within the context of urban after-school programs provide a unique opportunity for academic researchers and community stakeholders to collaborate in the creation of meaningful and sustainable violence prevention initiatives. This paper describes the development of a collaborative between academic researchers and community leaders to design a youth violence prevention/leadership promotion program (PARTNERS Program) for urban adolescents. Employing a community-based participatory research (CBPR) model, this project addresses the needs of urban youth, their families, and their community. Multiple strategies were used to engage community members in the development and implementation of the PARTNERS Program. These included focus groups, pilot testing the program in an after-school venue, and conducting organizational assessments of after-school sites as potential locations for the intervention. Community members and academic researchers successfully worked together in all stages of the project development. Community feedback helped the PARTNERS team redesign the proposed implementation and evaluation of the PARTNERS Program such that the revised study design allows for all sites to obtain the intervention over time and increases the possibility of building community capacity and sustainability of programs. Despite several challenges inherent to CBPR, the current study provides a number of lessons learned for the continued development of relationships and trust among researchers and community members, with particular attention to balancing the demand for systematic implementation of community-based interventions while being responsive to the immediate needs of the community.

Developing Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs for Musculoskeletal Diseases in Low-Income Areas of Mexico: The Community-Based Rehabilitation for Low-Income Communities Living With Rheumatic Diseases (CONCORD) Protocol

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The negative impact of musculoskeletal diseases on the physical function and quality of life of people living in developing countries is considerable. This disabling effect is even more marked in low-socioeconomic communities within developing countries. In Mexico, there is a need to create community-based rehabilitation programs for people living with musculoskeletal diseases in low-socioeconomic areas. These programs should be directed to prevent and decrease disability, accommodating the specific local culture of communities. Objective The objective of this paper is to describe a research protocol designed to develop, implement, and evaluate culturally sensitive community-based rehabilitation programs aiming to decrease disability of people living with musculoskeletal diseases in two low-income Mexican communities. Methods A community-based participatory research approach is proposed, including multi and transdisciplinary efforts among the community, medical anthropology, and the health sciences. The project is structured in 4 main stages: (1) situation analysis, (2) program development, (3) program implementation, and (4) program evaluation. Each stage includes the use of quantitative and qualitative methods (mixed method program). Results So far, we obtained resources from a Mexican federal agency and completed stage one of the project at Chankom, Yucatán. We are currently receiving funding from an international agency to complete stage two at this same location. We expect that the project at Chankom will be concluded by December of 2017. On the other hand, we just started the execution of stage one at Nuevo León with funding from a Mexican federal agency. We expect to conclude the project at this site by September of 2018. Conclusions Using a community-based participatory research approach and a mixed method program could result in the creation of culturally sensitive community-based rehabilitation programs that promote community development and decrease the disabling effects of musculoskeletal diseases within two low-income Mexican communities. PMID:25474820

Employing continuous quality improvement in community-based substance abuse programs.

PubMed

Chinman, Matthew; Hunter, Sarah B; Ebener, Patricia

2012-01-01

This article aims to describe continuous quality improvement (CQI) for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in a community-based organization setting. CQI (e.g., plan-do-study-act cycles (PDSA)) applied in healthcare and industry was adapted for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in a community setting. The authors assessed the resources needed, acceptability and CQI feasibility for ten programs by evaluating CQI training workshops with program staff and a series of three qualitative interviews over a nine-month implementation period with program participants. The CQI activities, PDSA cycle progress, effort, enthusiasm, benefits and challenges were examined. Results indicated that CQI was feasible and acceptable for community-based substance abuse prevention and treatment programs; however, some notable resource challenges remain. Future studies should examine CQI impact on service quality and intended program outcomes. The study was conducted on a small number of programs. It did not assess CQI impact on service quality and intended program outcomes. Practical implications- This project shows that it is feasible to adapt CQI techniques and processes for community-based programs substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. These techniques may help community-based program managers to improve service quality and achieve program outcomes. This is one of the first studies to adapt traditional CQI techniques for community-based settings delivering substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.

Exploring impacts of multi-year, community-based care programs for orphans and vulnerable children: a case study from Kenya.

PubMed

Larson, Bruce A; Wambua, Nancy; Masila, Juliana; Wangai, Susan; Rohr, Julia; Brooks, Mohamad; Bryant, Malcolm

2013-01-01

The Community-Based Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CBCO) program operated in Kenya during 2006-2010. In Eastern Province, the program provided support to approximately 3000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living in 1500 households. A primary focus of the program was to support savings and loan associations composed of OVC caregivers (typically elderly women) to improve household and OVC welfare. Cross-sectional data were collected in 2011 from 1500 randomly selected households from 3 populations: program participants (CBCO group, n=500), households in the same villages as program participants but not in the program (the local-community-group = Group L, n=300), and households living in nearby villages where the program did not operate (the adjacent-community-group, Group A, n=700). Primary welfare outcomes evaluated are household food security, as measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access instrument, and OVC educational attainment. We compared outcomes between the CBCO and the subset of Group L not meeting program eligibility criteria (L-N) to investigate disparities within local communities. We compared outcomes between the CBCO group and the subset of Group A meeting eligibility criteria (A-E) to consider program impact. We compared outcomes between households not eligible for the program in the local and adjacent community groups (L-N and A-N) to consider if the adjacent communities are similar to the local communities. In May-June 2011, at the end of the OVC program, the majority of CBCO households continued to be severely food insecure, with rates similar to other households living in nearby communities. Participation rates in primary school are high, reflecting free primary education. Among the 18-22 year olds who were "children" during the program years, relatively few children completed secondary school across all study groups. Although the CBCO program likely provided useful services and benefits to program participants, disparities continued to exist in food security and educational outcomes between program participants and their non-OVC peers in the local community. Outcomes for CBCO households were similar to those observed for OVC households in adjacent communities.

Exploring impacts of multi-year, community-based care programs for orphans and vulnerable children: A case study from Kenya

PubMed Central

Larson, Bruce A.; Wambua, Nancy; Masila, Juliana; Wangai, Susan; Rohr, Julia; Brooks, Mohamad; Bryant, Malcolm

2013-01-01

The Community-Based Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CBCO) program operated in Kenya during 2006–2010. In Eastern Province, the program provided support to approximately 3000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living in 1500 households. A primary focus of the program was to support savings and loan associations composed of OVC caregivers (typically elderly women) to improve household and OVC welfare. Cross-sectional data were collected in 2011 from 1500 randomly selected households from 3 populations: program participants (CBCO group, n = 500), households in the same villages as program participants but not in the program (the local-community-group = Group L, n = 300), and households living in nearby villages where the program did not operate (the adjacent-community-group, Group A, n = 700). Primary welfare outcomes evaluated are household food security, as measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access instrument, and OVC educational attainment. We compared outcomes between the CBCO and the subset of Group L not meeting program eligibility criteria (L-N) to investigate disparities within local communities. We compared outcomes between the CBCO group and the subset of Group A meeting eligibility criteria (A-E) to consider program impact. We compared outcomes between households not eligible for the program in the local and adjacent community groups (L-N and A-N) to consider if the adjacent communities are similar to the local communities. In May-June 2011, at the end of the OVC program, the majority of CBCO households continued to be severely food insecure, with rates similar to other households living in nearby communities. Participation rates in primary school are high, reflecting free primary education. Among the 18–22 year olds who were “children” during the program years, relatively few children completed secondary school across all study groups. Although the CBCO program likely provided useful services and benefits to program participants, disparities continued to exist in food security and educational outcomes between program participants and their non-OVC peers in the local community. Outcomes for CBCO households were similar to those observed for OVC households in adjacent communities. PMID:23745629

Marketing and Distributive Education. Community/Work-Based Programs. An Instructor's Guide to Program Strategies. Cooperative Vocational Education; Vocational Work Experience Education; Community Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holzkamper, Charlot

Designed for use in high school and adult education programs, this manual was developed to help marketing and distributive education teachers to develop or upgrade community/work-based programs; and to assist teachers who operate these programs to use legal operational practices and to meet the occupational needs of their students and communities.…

Development of a sustainable community-based dental education program.

PubMed

Piskorowski, Wilhelm A; Fitzgerald, Mark; Mastey, Jerry; Krell, Rachel E

2011-08-01

Increasing the use of community-based programs is an important trend in improving dental education to meet the needs of students and the public. To support this trend, understanding the history of programs that have established successful models for community-based education is valuable for the creation and development of new programs. The community-based education model of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers a useful guide for understanding the essential steps and challenges involved in developing a successful program. Initial steps in program development were as follows: raising funds, selecting an outreach clinical model, and recruiting clinics to become partners. As the program developed, the challenges of creating a sustainable financial model with the highest educational value required the inclusion of new clinical settings and the creation of a unique revenue-sharing model. Since the beginning of the community-based program at UMSOD in 2000, the number of community partners has increased to twenty-seven clinics, and students have treated thousands of patients in need. Fourth-year students now spend a minimum of ten weeks in community-based clinical education. The community-based program at UMSOD demonstrates the value of service-based education and offers a sustainable model for the development of future programs.

Community empowerment program for increasing knowledge and awareness of tuberculosis patients, cadres and community in Medan city

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harahap, J.; Amelia, R.; Wahyuni, A. S.; Andayani, L. S.

2018-03-01

Tuberculosis is one of a major health problem in Indonesia. WHO expressed the need for the participation of various stakeholders in addition to government. TB CEPAT Program aimed to increase knowledge and awareness in combating tuberculosis. This study aimed to compare the knowledge and awareness of community, cadres and TB patients in the program areas and non-program areas, and assess the role of the program in combating tuberculosis in Medan. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods, where 300 people (community, cadres, TB patients) as respondents and three key persons as informants. The findings revealed that in the program areas the knowledge, attitude and practice of the respondents generally are better compare to those in the non-program areas. There was a significant difference in knowledge and practice for community, cadres, and TB patients (p<0.05) and there was a significant difference in attitude for community, cadres (p<0.05), but no significant difference for TB patients (p>0.05) in program areas and non-program areas. The community empowerment through TB CEPAT Program plays an important role in improving knowledge, attitude, and practice of community, cadres, and TB patients. It would help the effort of TB control and prevention in Medan City.

Housing First and Photovoice: Transforming Lives, Communities, and Systems

PubMed Central

Barile, John P.; Ogawa, Terry Yasuko; Peralta, Nelson; Bugg, Reumell; Lau, John; Lamberton, Thomas; Hall, Corazon; Mori, Victor

2018-01-01

This article presents findings from a community-based participatory evaluation of a Housing First program on the Island of O’ahu. In this study, clients in a Housing First program used Photovoice to evaluate the program and to advocate for progressive housing policies. Written together by members of the Housing First Photovoice group, this collaborative article describes the outcomes from both the Housing First program and the Photovoice project and demonstrates the ways in which participatory program evaluations can interact with client-driven programs like Housing First to produce a cumulative, transformative impact. Findings suggest that community psychologists hoping to re-engage with community mental health systems through enacting transformative change should consider taking a community-based participatory approach to program evaluation because increased client voice in community mental health programs and their evaluations can have far-reaching, transformative impacts for research, practice, and policy. PMID:29323410

45 CFR 2517.600 - How are funds for community-based service-learning programs distributed?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false How are funds for community-based service-learning... (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS Distribution of Funds § 2517.600 How are funds for community-based service-learning programs distributed? All...

45 CFR 2517.600 - How are funds for community-based service-learning programs distributed?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false How are funds for community-based service-learning... (Continued) CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS Distribution of Funds § 2517.600 How are funds for community-based service-learning programs distributed? All...

Bossier Parish Community College and Delgado Community College Collaborative Pharmacy Technician Program Distance Education Initiative.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bossier Parish Community Coll., Bossier City, LA.

Two Louisiana community colleges--Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and Delgado Community College (DCC)--proposed, developed, and implemented a collaborative Pharmacy Technician program for delivery through the use of two-way interactive video. The new program was inspired by new certification requirements instituted by the state of…

An Analysis of the Effects of Program Structure and Content on Outcomes of Community Leadership Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Apaliyah, Godwin Tayese

2011-01-01

This study examined community leadership education programs employed in rural communities and organizations of several states to empower both local leaders and residents. In particular, the study investigated the relationships between community leadership education program design and structure (contact hours and content) and six outcome indices of…

Balancing Social Responsibility and Personal Autonomy: Adolescents' Reasoning About Community Service Programs.

PubMed

McNeil, Justin; Helwig, Charles C

2015-01-01

Many jurisdictions in North America have implemented mandatory community service programs in high schools. However, little research exists examining the reasoning of youth themselves about such programs. This study examined how youth reason about community service programs, and how they balance the prosocial goals of these programs against their personal autonomy. Seventy-two participants between 10 and 18 years old evaluated voluntary community service along with 4 hypothetical mandatory programs that varied according to whether students or the government decided the areas in which students would serve, and whether a structured reflection component was included. The findings reveal that youth are not simply self-focused but rather balance and coordinate considerations of autonomy and community in their judgments and reasoning about community service.

76 FR 56262 - Community Advantage Pilot Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-12

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Docket No. SBA 2011-0003] Community Advantage Pilot Program AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). ACTION: Notice of change to Community Advantage Pilot... Community Advantage Pilot Program. In that notice, SBA modified or waived as appropriate certain regulations...

Viability and membrane integrity of spermatozoa after dilution and flow cytometric sorting in the presence or absence of seminal plasma.

PubMed

Maxwell, W M; Welch, G R; Johnson, L A

1996-01-01

Boar, bull and ram spermatozoa were examined after staining with the DNA-permeant Hoechst 33342 fluorochrome and flow cytometric sorting in the presence or absence of seminal plasma. Spermatozoa were assessed for viability with flow cytometry using the live cell nucleic acid stain SYBR-14 and propidium iodide (PI), and for membrane integrity using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum (FITC-PSA) and PI; motility and acrosome integrity were estimated by microscopy. Flow cytometric sorting was compared with pipette dilution of boar and bull spermatozoa into: (1) medium [boar: Test buffer containing 2% yolk (TY) or Beltsville thawing solution (BTS); bull: TY or HEPES buffer containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin (HEPES-BSA)] with or without 10% (v/v) seminal plasma; or (2) an empty tube containing no medium. Sorted spermatozoa were either not centrifuged or centrifuged before assessment during a 4-h holding period. The viability, motility and membrane integrity of boar, bull and ram spermatozoa centrifuged after sorting were also examined when seminal plasma was present or absent from the staining extender and/or the TY collection medium. The results indicate that the viability and membrane integrity of spermatozoa in vitro would be improved if: (1) seminal plasma (10%) was routinely included in the BTS and HEPES-BSA staining extenders for boar spermatozoa and ram spermatozoa, respectively, when used in preparation for flow cytometric sorting; and (2) 10% and 50% seminal plasma were included in the TY collection medium for boar or bull spermatozoa and ram spermatozoa respectively.

Functional leg length discrepancy between theories and reliable instrumental assessment: a study about newly invented NPoS system

PubMed Central

Mahmoud, Asmaa; Abundo, Paolo; Basile, Luisanna; Albensi, Caterina; Marasco, Morena; Bellizzi, Letizia; Galasso, Franco; Foti, Calogero

2017-01-01

Summary Background In spite the instinct social&financial impact of Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD), controversial and conflicting results still exist regarding a reliable assessment/correction method. For proper management it’s essential to discriminate between anatomical&functional Leg Length Discrepancy (FLLD). With the newly invented NPoS (New Postural Solution), under the umbrella of the collaboration of PRM Department, Tor Vergata University with Baro Postural Instruments srl, positive results were observed in both measuring& compensating the hemi-pelvic antero-medial rotation in FLLD through personalized bilateral heel raise using two NPoS components: Foot Image System (FIS) and Postural Optimizer System (POS). This led our research interest to test the validity of NPoS as a preliminary step before evaluating its implementations in postural disorders. Methods After clinical evaluation, 4 subjects with FLLD have been assessed by NPoS. Over a period of 2 months, every subject was evaluated 12 times by two different operators, 48 measurements in total, results have been verified in correlation to BTS GaitLab results. Results Intra-Operator&inter-operator variability analysis showed statistically insignificant differences, while inter-method variability between NPoS and BTS parameters expressed a linear correlation. Conclusion Results suggest a significant validity of NPoS in assessment&correction of FLLD, with high degree of reproducibility with minimal operator dependency. This can be considered a base for promising clinical implications of NPoS as a reliable cost effective postural assessment/corrective tool. Level of evidence V. PMID:29264341

Loss of Smyhc1 or Hsp90α1 Function Results in Different Effects on Myofibril Organization in Skeletal Muscles of Zebrafish Embryos

PubMed Central

Codina, Marta; Li, Junling; Gutiérrez, Joaquim; Kao, Joseph P. Y.; Du, Shao Jun

2010-01-01

Background Myofibrillogenesis requires the correct folding and assembly of sarcomeric proteins into highly organized sarcomeres. Heat shock protein 90α1 (Hsp90α1) has been implicated as a myosin chaperone that plays a key role in myofibrillogenesis. Knockdown or mutation of hsp90α1 resulted in complete disorganization of thick and thin filaments and M- and Z-line structures. It is not clear whether the disorganization of these sarcomeric structures is due to a direct effect from loss of Hsp90α1 function or indirectly through the disorganization of myosin thick filaments. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we carried out a loss-of-function analysis of myosin thick filaments via gene-specific knockdown or using a myosin ATPase inhibitor BTS (N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide) in zebrafish embryos. We demonstrated that knockdown of myosin heavy chain 1 (myhc1) resulted in sarcomeric defects in the thick and thin filaments and defective alignment of Z-lines. Similarly, treating zebrafish embryos with BTS disrupted thick and thin filament organization, with little effect on the M- and Z-lines. In contrast, loss of Hsp90α1 function completely disrupted all sarcomeric structures including both thick and thin filaments as well as the M- and Z-lines. Conclusion/Significance Together, these studies indicate that the hsp90α1 mutant phenotype is not simply due to disruption of myosin folding and assembly, suggesting that Hsp90α1 may play a role in the assembly and organization of other sarcomeric structures. PMID:20049323

Immobilization of Dystrophin and Laminin α2-Chain Deficient Zebrafish Larvae In Vivo Prevents the Development of Muscular Dystrophy

PubMed Central

Li, Mei; Arner, Anders

2015-01-01

Muscular dystrophies are often caused by genetic alterations in the dystrophin-dystroglycan complex or its extracellular ligands. These structures are associated with the cell membrane and provide mechanical links between the cytoskeleton and the matrix. Mechanical stress is considered a pathological mechanism and muscle immobilization has been shown to be beneficial in some mouse models of muscular dystrophy. The zebrafish enables novel and less complex models to examine the effects of extended immobilization or muscle relaxation in vivo in different dystrophy models. We have examined effects of immobilization in larvae from two zebrafish strains with muscular dystrophy, the Sapje dystrophin-deficient and the Candyfloss laminin α2-chain-deficient strains. Larvae (4 days post fertilization, dpf) of both mutants have significantly lower active force in vitro, alterations in the muscle structure with gaps between muscle fibers and altered birefringence patterns compared to their normal siblings. Complete immobilization (18 hrs to 4 dpf) was achieved using a small molecular inhibitor of actin-myosin interaction (BTS, 50 μM). This treatment resulted in a significantly weaker active contraction at 4 dpf in both mutated larvae and normal siblings, most likely reflecting a general effect of immobilization on myofibrillogenesis. The immobilization also significantly reduced the structural damage in the mutated strains, showing that muscle activity is an important pathological mechanism. Following one-day washout of BTS, muscle tension partly recovered in the Candyfloss siblings and caused structural damage in these mutants, indicating activity-induced muscle recovery and damage, respectively. PMID:26536238

A cost effective model for appropriate administration of red cell units and salvaging un-transfused red cell units by using temperature sensitive indicators for blood component transportation in a hospital setting.

PubMed

Tiwari, Aseem K; Sharma, Pooja; Pandey, Prashant K; Rawat, Ganesh S; Dixit, Surbhi; Raina, Vimarsh; Bhargava, Richa

2015-01-01

A rule called "30-min rule" defines that red cell unit cannot be used if it has been out of blood bank refrigerator for over 30 min. This rule is useful to guide initiation of transfusion, but is inadequate for deciding whether to reuse or discard units received-back at blood transfusion services (BTS). A simple cost-effective temperature-sensitive indicator was evaluated to decide upon reuse (cold chain was uninterrupted) or discard (where cold chain was interrupted) in a simulation exercise. Temperature-sensitive indicators TH-F™ that irreversibly changed color from white to red demonstrated that heat excursion has occurred and the cumulative temperature has exceeded 10°C for over 30 min, were used in outdated red cells for simulating units, which are not used and received-back. These units were also tagged with a standard temperature monitoring device, which was a re-usable credit card sized device, which would log the actual time and temperature. In few units percent hemolysis was also calculated. Statistically insignificant elevation in average temperature was noted in 102 simulated units at the time of return to BTS (Δ 0.04°C), despite the fact that these units were in the transport box for over 4 h. The average supernatant hemoglobin in these units was 0.24%, much below the prescribed threshold. Transportation of blood in controlled conditions with temperature-sensitive indicator is a cost-effective model to save blood, a precious human resource.

Recommendations for the prevention and diagnosis of asthma in children: Evidence from international guidelines adapted for Mexico.

PubMed

Larenas Linnemann, D E S; Del Río Navarro, B E; Luna Pech, J A; Romero Lombard, J; Villaverde Rosas, J; Cano Salas, M C; Fernández Vega, M; Ortega Martell, J A; López Estrada, E C; Mayorga Butrón, J L; Salas Hernández, J; Vázquez García, J C; Ortiz Aldana, I; Vargas Becerra, M H; Bedolla Barajas, M; Rodríguez Pérez, N; Aguilar Aranda, A; Jiménez González, C A; García Bolaños, C; Garrido Galindo, C; Mendoza Hernández, D A; Mendoza López, E; López Pérez, G; Wakida Kuzonoki, G H; Ruiz Gutiérrez, H H; León Molina, H; Martínez de la Lanza, H; Stone Aguilar, H; Gómez Vera, J; Olvera Salinas, J; Oyoqui Flores, J J; Gálvez Romero, J L; Lozano Saenz, J S; Salgado Gama, J I; Jiménez Chobillon, M A; García Avilés, M A; Guinto Balanzar, M P; Medina Ávalos, M A; Camargo Angeles, R; García Torrentera, R; Toral Freyre, S; Montes Narvaez, G; Solorio Gómez, H; Rosas Peña, J; Romero Tapia, S J; Reyes Herrera, A; Cuevas Schacht, F; Esquer Flores, J; Sacre Hazouri, J A; Compean Martínez, L; Medina Sánchez, P J; Garza Salinas, S; Baez Loyola, C; Romero Alvarado, I; Miguel Reyes, J L; Huerta Espinosa, L E; Correa Flores, M Á; Castro Martínez, R

With the availability of high-quality asthma guidelines worldwide, one possible approach of developing a valid guideline, without re-working the evidence, already analysed by major guidelines, is the ADAPTE approach, as was used for the development of National Guidelines on asthma. The guidelines development group (GDG) covered a broad range of experts from medical specialities, primary care physicians and methodologists. The core group of the GDG searched the literature for asthma guidelines 2005 onward, and analysed the 11 best guidelines with AGREE-II to select three mother guidelines. Key clinical questions were formulated covering each step of the asthma management. The selected mother guidelines are British Thoracic Society (BTS), GINA and GEMA 2015. Responses to the questions were formulated according to the evidence in the mother guidelines. Recommendations or suggestions were made for asthma treatment in Mexico by the core group, and adjusted during several rounds of a Delphi process, taking into account: 1. Evidence; 2. Safety; 3. Cost; 4. Patient preference - all these set against the background of the local reality. Here the detailed analysis of the evidence present in BTS/GINA/GEMA sections on prevention and diagnosis in paediatric asthma are presented for three age-groups: children with asthma ≤5 years, 6-11 years and ≥12 years. For the prevention and diagnosis sections, applying the AGREE-II method is useful to develop a scientifically-sustained document, adjusted to the local reality per country, as is the Mexican Guideline on Asthma. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.

Effect of cryopreservant combinations on the motility and morphology of curimba (Prochilodus lineatus) sperm.

PubMed

Felizardo, V O; Mello, R A; Murgas, L D S; Andrade, E S; Drumond, M M; Rosa, P V

2010-12-01

This study investigated the application of intra- and extra-cellular cryoprotectant combinations on the quality of curimba Prochilodus lineatus semen subjected to cryopreservation. Semen treatments were tested with 8% DMSO or methanol as intracellular cryoprotectant, 5% egg yolk or lactose as extracellular cryoprotectant and 5% BTS. These cryoprotectant combinations are suitable for curimba but have not been tested at the lesser concentrations proposed or in combination with BTS. Semen samples collected from 19 curimbas were diluted into one of four cryoprotectant combinations: DMSO+yolk; DMSO+lactose; methanol+yolk; and methanol+lactose. After dilution, semen samples were cryopreserved in 0.5 mL straws for 10 days in a liquid nitrogen tank. Semen was thawed in a water bath at 60°C for 8s. We evaluated the quality of fresh, diluted (pre-freezing) and post-freezing semen according to sperm motility rate (%) and duration (s). Sperm morphology was also analyzed in thawed semen. Sperm motility rate decreased progressively after dilution and thawing. The motility rate in post-freezing semen was higher in the treatments using DMSO+lactose and methanol+yolk. Sperm motility duration in post-freezing sperm was greater in the treatments using methanol rather than DMSO as intracellular cryoprotectant, irrespective of the extracellular cryoprotectant used. Abnormality frequency in thawed sperm was less in semen treated with egg yolk than with lactose. Thus the use of methanol intracellular cryoprotectant is recommended along with yolk extracellular cryoprotectant in the cryopreservation process for curimba semen. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of butyltin exposures on MAP kinase dependent transcription regulators in human natural killer cells

PubMed Central

Person, Rachel J.; Whalen, Margaret M.

2010-01-01

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a major immune defense mechanism against cancer development and viral infection. The butyltins (BTs), tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) have been widely used in industrial and other applications and significantly contaminate the environment. Both TBT and DBT have been detected in human blood. These compounds inhibit the lytic and binding function of human NK cells and thus could increase the incidence of cancer and viral infections. Butyltin (BT)-induced loss of NK function is accompanied by activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and decreases in expression of cell-surface and cytolytic proteins. MAPKs activate components of the transcription regulator AP-1 and activate the transcription regulator Elk-1. Based on the fact that BTs activate MAPKs and alter protein expression, the current study examined the effect of BT exposures on the levels and phosphorylation states of the components of AP-1 and the phosphorylation state of Elk-1. Exposure to 300 nM TBT for 10 min increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun in NK cells. 1 h exposures to 300 nM and 200 nM TBT increased the phosphorylation and overall level of c-Jun. During a 300 nM treatment with TBT for 1 h the binding activity of AP-1 was significantly decreased. There were no significant alterations of AP-1 components or of Elk-1 with DBT exposures. Thus, it appears that TBT-induced alterations on phosphorylation, total levels and binding activity of c-Jun might contribute to, but are not fully responsible for, TBT-induced alterations of NK protein expression. PMID:20370538